NAIROBI, Kenya — The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has announced a new policy allowing teachers who resigned or were dismissed from service since 2018 to access terminal benefits, reversing earlier rules that barred such claims.
The directive now makes teachers who exited the profession on or after April 6, 2018, eligible for pension and gratuity payments they had previously forfeited.
The move is expected to benefit thousands of former educators and dependents of deceased teachers.
Policy shift under the new CBA framework
According to the commission, the changes are contained in Circular No. 12/2025, issued on August 18, 2025, and implemented under the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
The new framework marks a major shift in how teacher welfare and exit benefits are managed.
The Teachers Service Commission said the reform is intended to streamline benefit administration and clear long-standing pending cases.
Applications now open
Acting Chief Executive Officer Evaleen Mitei directed eligible former teachers and beneficiaries of deceased teachers to begin submitting claims through TSC Sub-County offices.
Applications will be verified at the sub-county level before being forwarded to county offices and finally to headquarters for processing through the National Treasury.
Applicants have been instructed to submit identification documents, KRA PIN certificates, bank or Sacco details, and relevant employment records.
Male teachers employed before December 31, 2020, must also provide payslips showing deductions under the Widows and Children Pension Scheme (WCPS).
Teachers who served under Untrained Teacher (UT) terms are required to present NSSF statements.
Requirements for beneficiaries
Dependents of deceased teachers must provide additional documents, including death certificates, letters from chiefs confirming dependents, identification documents, and birth certificates for children under 24 years.
TSC cautioned that incomplete documentation could delay processing and urged applicants to ensure all forms are properly filled.
The commission said the new directive is part of efforts to resolve accumulated benefit claims and improve efficiency in pension processing for former teachers.
Eligible individuals have been advised to visit their nearest TSC County or Sub-County offices for assistance and guidance on the application process.
