Teachers Service Commission – kenya https //www.tsc.go.ke

Teachers Service Commission – kenya https //www.tsc.go.ke:

The Teachers Service Commission – kenya https //www.tsc.go.ke

Brief History

Although the Teachers Service Commission was established in 1967, its history dates back to the 1950s when teachers led by retired President Daniel T Moi vigorously fought for the formation of one teacher body.

Following the formation of the first teachers union in Kenya – the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) in 1957 there was sustained agitation for the creation of an umbrella body to manage the affairs of all teachers. At the time, teachers were employed by either; missionaries, local authorities or the Central Government which led to a great disparity in remuneration and other terms and conditions of service. In 1964, The Kenya Education Commission Report (The Ominde Report) strongly supported the need for a competent, respected and contented teaching force. As a result of these factors, the Teachers Service Commission was formed in July 1967 through an Act of Parliament to give teachers one employer and uniform terms and conditions of service. It was charged with the mandate of registering, employing, promoting, disciplining and paying teachers.

Value Statement

Vision

A motivated, ethical and globally competitive teacher.

Mission

To regulate, maintain and manage the teaching service through sound policies and operational excellence for quality teaching and lifelong learning.

Core Values

Professionalism
Customer focus
Integrity
Innovativeness
Team spirit

Function and Mandate

Under Article 237(2) of the Constitution, the Commission is mandated to perform the following functions:

Register trained teachers
Recruit and employ registered teachers
Assign teachers employed by the Commission for service in any public school or institution
Promote and transfer teachers
Exercise disciplinary control over teachers
Terminate the employment of teachers
Review the standards of education and training of persons entering the teaching service
Review the demand for and supply of teachers
Advise the national government on matters relating to the teaching profession

Growth and Development

Over the years, the Commission has greatly grown in size and operational capacity. From only 37,000 registered teachers in 1967 the number in the Register of Teachers has grown to more than 758,914 in 2017. Of these, around 300,000 are employed by the Teachers Service Commission while others are engaged in private schools, non-governmental organizations and different government agencies.

The Commission has a secretariat that manages the affairs of teachers. Operations of the secretariat have been enhanced through creation of specialized departments and divisions. From its inception in 1967 the secretariat has grown from 100 to over 3000 officers in 2017.

Release to Other Organizations

A teacher who has been appointed to a Public Institution, Teachers Union, non-profit making educational institution or Parastatal should submit an application to the Commission in writing through the head of institution or agent and:

Attach a copy of the appointment letter
Present letter of acceptance of the offer
Present a TSC clearance certificate from the head of institution or TSC County Director in order to be released.

The benefits from the teaching service are suspended until one retires with benefits from the institution he/she was released to.

Death Gratuity

The dependants of a teacher who dies in service are entitled to Death Gratuity and Dependants Pension if the teacher was serving on Permanent and Pensionable terms and was confirmed in the service.

For Death Gratuity to be paid the following shall apply:

Deceased teacher’s name is removed from payroll and overpayment recovered if any.
The next-of-kin should submit original death certificate and a letter by area chief identifying the next-of-kin and dependants.
The next of kin will settle over payment if any.
The claim is forwarded to the Director of Pensions for payment.

NB: In case of a dispute, the parties involved are referred to the Deputy County Commissioner for arbitration. The dependants may also seek legal redress from a court of law. Pension is paid to the deceased dependants who are aged below 18 years for a period of 5 years.

Killed while on duty

This is pension paid to dependants when a teacher is killed while on duty. The benefit is payable to the spouse and/or dependants of a teacher who dies as a result of injuries in the actual discharge of duty and without his/her own intention.

NB: The retirees/next of kin are informed when the claims are forwarded to the treasury for payment.

Termination of Service

An appointment of a teacher either serving on temporary or probationary terms may be terminated by either the Commission or the teacher, with either party giving one month’s notice in writing or paying one month’s basic salary in lieu of notice.
An appointment on P&P terms may be terminated by either the Commission or the teacher, with either party giving three (3) month’s notice in writing or paying one (1) month’s basic salary in lieu of notice.
In case of temporary appointment, NSSF benefits are administered as per NSSF Act Cap 258.
A male teacher who was a contributor to WCPS qualifies for a refund of the amounts contributed.

Resignation on Marriage Grounds

A married female teacher who has served for a minimum of period of five (5) years on P&P terms can resign on account of marriage.

One is entitled to a marriage gratuity paid at a rate of 1/12 of a month’s pensionable emoluments for each completed month of pensionable service subject to a maximum of one year pensionable emoluments.

Resignation

A teacher on permanent and pensionable terms can resign from service after giving three months’ notice in writing or pay one month’s basic salary in lieu of notice. Resignation will not attract any pension benefits. However, a male teacher who resigns or is dismissed from service is entitled to WCPS refund. Such a teacher should write claiming the refund.

Retirement in Public Interest

A teacher may be retired in the light of his/her usefulness to the teaching service or any public assignment and all other circumstances of the case, such retirement is desirable in the public interest.

NB: Teachers who retire qualify for lump sum and monthly Pension.

Retirement on Medical Grounds

A teacher may apply to retire or be called upon to retire on medical grounds and he/she should attach supportive medical documents.

Procedure

The Commission will write to the Director of Medical Services (DMS) to convene a medical board.
The Medical Board will assess the teacher and give a recommendation to the DMS who in turn advises the Commission.
The Commission will retire the teacher on medical grounds.

Voluntary Retirement

A teacher may apply to retire on attainment of 50 years and on completion of 10 years continuous service on Permanent and Pensionable terms. Such a teacher shall apply in writing through the head of institution giving three months’ notice, stating the intended date of retirement.

Upon receipt of the application the Commission shall: Consider the application and issue a retirement notice. Process retirement claim upon receipt of required documents from the teacher. The claim will then be forwarded to the Director of Pension,Treasury, for payment.