The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) in Kenya has established specific requirements and guidelines for the transfer of teachers to ensure smooth transitions and maintain the integrity of the education system.
Teacher transfers can be initiated for various reasons, including family needs, career advancement, or administrative purposes such as staffing balancing. Below are the key requirements and processes for the transfer of teachers under TSC:
Eligibility for Transfer
1. Completion of Probation Period: Newly employed teachers must have completed a minimum probationary period of two years before being eligible for a transfer.
2. Reasons for Transfer: Teachers can apply for transfers due to family or personal reasons (such as spousal or medical issues), administrative transfers initiated by TSC for staffing requirements, or promotion.
3. Staffing Needs: Transfers are granted based on the availability of vacancies in the desired location, ensuring that both the current and receiving schools maintain appropriate staffing levels.
4. Subject Specialization: Teachers are required to apply for transfer within the same subject specialization, particularly in secondary schools. If there is a shortage of teachers in their subject area in the desired region, transfers may be delayed or denied.
 Documents Required
When applying for a transfer, teachers need to submit the following:
1. Formal Application: The teacher must fill out and submit a transfer request form through their immediate supervisor, typically the school head.
2. Supporting Documents: For transfers based on medical or compassionate grounds, additional documentation such as medical reports, spousal employment records, or family-related certificates may be required.
3. Recommendation: The headteacher or school principal needs to provide a recommendation as part of the transfer process.
Transfer Process
1. Online Application: TSC has introduced an online system for teacher transfer applications, accessible through the TSC portal.
2. Approval by TSC: The transfer request is evaluated by the TSC at the county or national level, depending on the type of transfer.
3. Transfer Letter: Once approved, the teacher receives a transfer letter with details of their new posting.
Administrative Transfers
TSC can also initiate transfers to balance staffing levels across schools or in response to curriculum changes. In such cases, the teacher will be informed and assigned a new post accordingly.
In conclusion, teacher transfers under TSC are guided by clear requirements to ensure a transparent and fair process while addressing both the needs of the education system and the personal circumstances of the teachers.
