TSC Teacher Registration in Kenya: Qualifications and Process
The Kenyan Constitution mandates the Teachers Service Commission to recruit, employ, and assign registered teachers to public schools and institutions (Articles 237 (2) b and c).
Procedure for TSC Teacher Registration in Kenya
The Commission has established an internet-based application and registration system for educators. Applicants can initiate the application procedure by visiting the TSC website, www.teachersonline.go.ke, once they have verified that they possess all the necessary documents.
After receiving the application, the Commission reviews the documents and communicates a response or decision to the applicant within thirty days.
The Commission’s Chief Executive Officer will sign the registration certificate for the applicant upon successful completion of the application process.
The instructor receives the certificate through the postal service specified in the application. Additionally, on the TSC website, applicants may view their registration status and/or TSC number.
Requirements for TSC Teacher Registration in Kenya
Kenyan citizens.
- Certificate for Good Conduct
- Relevant academic and professional credentials from reputable institutions.
- A copy of the identity card or passport.
- Passport Photo 1.5 KRA Pin Certificate
- Duly completed the GP-69 Medical Form and
- To pay the registration fee, deposit Kshs. 1055/- into the TSC’s registration account at the National Bank of Kenya (No. 01001000905001) or Simple Banking using Pay Bill Business Number 625625. The fee is non-refundable.
Non-Kenyan Citizens
- Proof of registration as a teacher in Kenya or their home country.
- Academic and professional certifications. NB: The award must be from an accredited foreign institution and recognized by the applicable Kenyan state agency.
- Certificate of Teacher Registration or Authorization to Teach in the Country of Origin
- The Department of Immigration is responsible for issuing valid entry or work permits.
- A valid Certificate of Good Conduct from the competent law enforcement body in the country of origin.
- The required documents include a vetting letter from Kenya’s Ministry of Education and a cost of Ksh 1055.
According to Section 23(2) of the Teachers Service Commission Act, 2012, an individual may only participate in the teaching profession after obtaining registration as a teacher under the aforementioned legislation.
This prerequisite applies to the educational establishments of both public and private institutions. Legal Notice No. 50 of 2016 (The Teachers Service Commission Code of Regulations for Teachers (Amendments), 2016) notifies the public about the stipulations outlining the registration process for teachers.
Academic and Professional Criteria for TSC Teacher Registration in Kenya
ECDE
i. A minimum of a CPE or KCPE, as well as an ECDE Certificate issued by KNEC.
ii. a minimum mean grade of D+ (plus) on the KCSE, as well as a KNEC ECDE Certificate.
iii. A minimum mean grade of D (plain) on the KCSE, a KNEC proficiency certificate, and a KNEC Diploma ECDE Certificate.
Diploma in Education
i. Average KCSE grade of C (plain) and KNEC ECDE Certificate.
ii. To qualify for a university diploma, a minimum average grade of C+ (plus) is required.
iii. Degree Mean Grade of C+ or Higher
PTE:
To be eligible, a minimum grade of C in the KCSE or higher is required;
ii. A PTE Certificate issued by KNEC III. The average grade for individuals with visual and hearing impairments is a C-minus.
Diploma in Education
i. A minimum grade of C+ (plus) in two subjects of specialization, as well as KCSE or higher;
ii. A minimum of a C (plain) in English;
iii. A C (plain) in mathematics for science-based courses.
iii. A+ (plus) in mathematics for courses not grounded in science
Education
Diploma in Education for the Visually and Hearing Impaired
i. A minimum of a C (plain) or higher in the KCSE.
ii. A minimum of a C-minus in English;
iii. A C-minus in mathematics for science-based coursesIV. A D (Plain) in Mathematics with courses not founded in science
Bachelor of Education
i. A minimum mean grade of C+ (plus) or its equivalent is required.
ii. A+ (plus) in two specialized subjects
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science
i. A minimum of a C+ (plus) in KCSE or higher and a C+ (plus) in each of the two specialized subjects. The Postgraduate Diploma in Education, or PGDE,
Temporary Teacher Registration Certificate
Regulation 27 of the TSC Code of Regulations (2015) mandates the Commissions to issue a temporary teacher registration certificate to individuals in Kenya on recognized education exchange programs or international bilateral arrangements, or those who hold a relevant certificate issued under education and training laws despite not being trained as teachers.
Refusal to Register
The Commission cannot register teachers who do not meet the required qualifications, lack good moral character, have been convicted of a sexual or criminal offense against a learner, have been convicted of a criminal offense that renders them unfit to teach, or engage in activities deemed inappropriate by the Commission.
According to a licensed medical professional, they have a physical or mental condition that prevents them from carrying out their teaching duties.
Revocation or recall of a Registration Certificate
According to the TSC Code of Regulations for Teachers (2015), Regulation 30, the Commission has the authority to cancel and recall a Certificate of Registration following due process.
Someone obtained the information through fraud, misrepresentation, forgery, error, or other unlawful means.
Deregistration
Under Regulation 30 of the TSC Act (2012), the Commission must strike off a person’s name from the register if they die, fraudulently obtain registration, are convicted of a sexual or criminal offense against a student, are convicted of a criminal offense that deems them unsuitable to be a teacher, or if the Commission deems them unfit to teach.
Publication of Names
The Commission must publish the names and details of teachers who have been enrolled or removed from the Register of Teachers in the Kenya Gazette and on their website each year, as per Regulation 31 of the TSC Code of Regulation for Teachers (2015).
Reinstatement in the Register
The Commission may follow due process and either affirm the removal or reinstate the teacher’s name if they remove a person from the register.
Requesting a Duplicate Certificate
According to the TSC Code of Regulations (2015), Regulation 32, the Commission can provide a duplicate Certificate of Registration to individuals who have lost, damaged, or misplaced their original certificate.
NB: The Commission offers an online platform to apply for a duplicate registration certificate.
To obtain a duplicate certificate, deposit Kshs. 2055 into the TSC Registration Account at National Bank of Kenya Direct Banking, A/C No. 01001005707400. The charge is non-refundable.
Teacher Registration Related Offenses
The TSC Code of Regulations 2015, Regulation 39, prohibits individuals from falsely claiming to be a registered teacher, teaching or assisting in teaching in a school, employing a non-registered teacher, defacing or erasing any entry in the Certificate of Registration, or applying for employment as a teacher under a different name.
Corrections to the Teacher Register
The TSC Act 2012, Regulation 29, requires the Commission to periodically update the Register to remedy any errors in the information entered.
The TSC Act (2012) and TSC Code of Regulations for Teachers (2015) require the Commission to maintain the Register of Teachers. Since 1967, the Commission has registered approximately 670,000 teachers.
Questions about teacher registration.
To inquire about teacher registration, applicants or the public can contact 020-2892351 or info@tsc.go.ke.
Important information:
Even if candidates have completed a postgraduate diploma in education and enhancement, they are not eligible for employment if they have received training in disciplines not included in the Kenyan curriculum.
Candidates possessing a background in Economics/Accounting, Social Education, and Ethics are eligible to apply for vacancies in the fields of business studies and CRE/IRE, respectively.
Teachers who hold a diploma in English or other topics are eligible to work as literacy teachers.
All applicants, with the exception of those who have studied agriculture, business studies, home science, and computing, must have taken both teaching subjects at KCSE.
Individuals who have not pursued business courses or computer science should achieve a minimum grade of C+ in mathematics in the KCSE examination.
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Individuals who did not pursue agriculture and home science as a field of study must have achieved a minimum grade of C+ in biology at the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination.
Graduate teachers are required to have completed a minimum of eight course units in each of their teaching subjects.
Candidates who provide certificates or transcripts of upgrades from reputable universities are eligible for employment.
Applicants who were formerly employed under contract and had their employment terminated owing to insufficient qualifications in teaching subjects but have since earned enhancement certificates are eligible to apply.
Candidates employed in other government departments who meet the criteria are eligible to submit an application.
Teachers over 45 years old can apply to be hired on a contractual basis.
We will select teachers who meet certain criteria for employment on a contract that we can renew every 3 years, depending on their performance.
Teachers who sign the contract are required to retire at the age of 65.
Recruitment and selection processes are essential for building a strong team.
Applicants seeking positions in primary schools must possess a P1 certificate.
Applicants must send their application to the TSC County Director in the specific county where a job opening has been announced, along with any necessary academic and professional credentials.
During a rigorous selection process, schools often hire primary teachers through competitive interviews.
On selection day, the original documents listed below must be brought to the sub-county selection panel:
- A national identity card.
- Applicants must provide a CPE/KCPE certificate, including the first attempt certificate if the exam was repeated.
- PTE certificate.
- Official documents certifying the completion of education in a school or college.
Candidates who do not possess academic and professional certifications must provide proof of having applied for confirmation from KNEC. It is the responsibility of the respective teachers to follow up with KNEC within 14 days.
Successful candidates will work in any location throughout the country.
Applicants seeking positions in secondary schools must possess at least a Diploma in Education Certificate. Those who are interested should submit their application to the Secretary of the Board of Management of the school where the vacancy has been announced and also provide a copy of the application to the TSC County Director.
The jurisdiction of the Teachers Service Commission in this activity is limited to TSC County Directors and Boards of Management.
The Commission will not consider applications sent directly to them.
Applicants are recommended to obtain comprehensive information regarding job openings in sub-counties and educational institutions.
Access the TSC website and/or visit the TSC office in their preferred county or sub-county.
