TSC Transfer Exercise Affects Over 8,000 Primary School Teachers.
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has relocated more than 8,000 primary school teachers in its latest staff balancing initiative. This exercise is part of an effort to address staffing disparities across schools and is expected to conclude by February.
In an internal memo, the TSC instructed County and Sub-County Directors to complete the teacher balancing matrix promptly. The reallocation of teachers was prompted by an excess of 18,057 primary school teachers after the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) eliminated two classes.
Recruitment of New Teachers
To fill gaps left by retiring teachers, TSC plans to hire new staff. In February and March, the Commission will post replacements for the 8,707 teachers who exited due to natural attrition. TSC has advertised 5,862 vacancies for primary schools, 21 for junior schools, and 2,824 for secondary schools.
Currently, the Commission is finalizing document verification for prospective teachers before their deployment.
Verification Requirements for Teachers
Primary School Teachers:
- National identification card
- Certificate of Registration as a teacher
- Evidence of an Upgrade Diploma in Primary Teacher Education (UDPTE), if applicable
- PTE Certificate
- KCSE certificates or their equivalents (including re-sit certificates, if applicable)
- KCPE certificates or their equivalents (including re-sit certificates, if applicable)
- Letter of Certification of Results by KNEC, where necessary
- Primary and secondary school leaving certificates
- National Council of Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) card, if applicable
- Sworn affidavit explaining discrepancies in names, if needed
Post-Primary School Teachers:
a) National identification card
b) Certificate of Registration as a teacher
c) Diploma/Degree certificates and transcripts
d) KCSE and KCPE certificates (or their equivalents, including re-sit documentation)
e) Primary and secondary school leaving certificates
f) National Council of Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) card, if applicable
g) Sworn affidavit explaining discrepancies in names
h) Letter of Certification of Results by KNEC, where applicable
For serving intern teachers, only identity cards are required during verification.
Recent Transfers Summary
In December, TSC released transfer letters for delocalized teachers, which could be accessed at County Directors’ offices. A total of 14,613 transfers have been approved for January 2025, broken down as follows:
- Primary Schools: 10,934 (including 189 deputies and 1,948 headteachers)
- Secondary Schools: 1,316 (including 226 principals)
- Regional Transfers: 12,019 managed locally
- Inter-Regional Transfers: 2,594 coordinated by TSC headquarters
The transfers were finalized shortly after the conclusion of national examinations to minimize disruptions.
Policy Shift on Teacher Delocalization
The teacher delocalization policy, initiated in 2016, required educators to work outside their home counties. Initially, classroom teachers were affected, followed by headteachers and principals. However, the policy was annulled by the Kenya Kwanza government.
On January 25, 2023, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula ruled the policy illegal, citing a lack of parliamentary approval. TSC revoked the program and began transferring teachers back to their home counties.
At the regional level, transfers are overseen by TSC Regional Directors, who manage movements within counties. For inter-regional transfers, TSC headquarters handles approvals, ensuring vacancies and replacements are available.
Guidelines for Teacher Transfers
TSC ensures that teacher transfers comply with policies that prioritize minimal disruptions and equitable staff distribution. Vacancies, replacements, and staffing norms must align before approvals are granted.
Former Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu emphasized in June that teacher distribution must uphold equitable access to education as per Article 43 of the Constitution. He stated that transfers aim to optimize teacher utilization across public basic education institutions.
Factors influencing transfer approval include:
- Availability of vacancies at the preferred station
- Need for replacements
- Adherence to staffing norms
- Medical or personal reasons deemed valid by TSC
Read Also: KUCCPS Lists KMTC Programmes for March 2025 Intake
Key Terms in TSC Online Transfer System
- Pending: The application is submitted but awaits supervisor remarks.
- Acknowledged: The teacher is eligible but awaits vacancy or replacement availability.
- Not Approved: The request is declined due to unmet conditions, such as insufficient service duration or lack of a replacement.
- Approved: The transfer request is accepted, and the teacher receives a transfer letter.
If a transfer request is withdrawn, it indicates the process was either unsuccessful or completed, allowing a new application to be submitted.
TSC Transfer Exercise Affects Over 8,000 Primary School Teachers
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