NAIROBI, Kenya – Nearly 90 per cent of teachers deregistered for professional misconduct in Kenya over the past five years were men, according to newly released data from the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) — raising alarm over persistent gender disparity in disciplinary cases within the education sector.
Between 2019 and 2024, the commission struck off 470 teachers from the official register. Of these, 419 were male, just 5 were female, and 46 had unspecified gender.
In the most recent batch, 32 of the 33 teachers deregistered were men — further entrenching a trend that has prompted renewed scrutiny of male educators’ conduct, particularly around issues of sexual misconduct.
Sexual Abuse Driving Deregistration
The TSC, under Section 30 of its 2012 Act, is required to publish the names and registration numbers of deregistered teachers to warn employers and the public, and prevent offenders from returning to classrooms.
Teachers may be deregistered for various reasons including criminal convictions, fraud, immoral behavior, or other forms of professional misconduct.
But increasingly, sexual abuse of learners — especially by male teachers — has emerged as a key driver of disciplinary action.
Alliance Girls High School Case Sparks National Outrage
The issue has gained fresh urgency following explosive revelations from Alliance Girls High School, where a male teacher, Peter Ayiro, is accused of grooming and sexually exploiting students under the guise of spiritual mentorship.
The allegations, first exposed by Africa Uncensored, include damning testimony from over two dozen former students, teachers, and staff, detailing a pattern of abuse stretching back to 2018.
The exposé accuses Ayiro of abusing his spiritual influence to host private dinners, manipulate students emotionally, and pursue non-consensual relationships.
Last week, outraged alumni staged a peaceful protest demanding his arrest and prosecution.
Their calls were echoed by Principal Secretary for Basic Education Julius Bitok, who directed law enforcement to act swiftly.
“Teachers are supposed to protect, not prey on learners. The government will not allow such behaviour in our institutions,” Bitok said.
Criminal lawyer Dunstan Omari said the teacher could face charges under Section 24 of the Sexual Offences Act, which imposes a minimum of 10 years in prison for offenders in positions of authority over minors.
“If proven that he made sexual advances using the authority granted by the TSC, he could face a decade or more behind bars,” Omari told Y News.
More severe penalties could apply if the suspect is found to have transmitted STIs, or administered substances to incapacitate the victims — with sentences ranging from 15 years to life, under Sections 26 and 27 of the Act.
Omari further explained that for investigations to proceed, complainants must lodge formal reports with the DCI, enabling evidence collection and the suspect’s interrogation, possible arrest, and prosecution.
Zero Tolerance, But Systemic Lapses Persist
While the TSC has mechanisms to remove offenders from service, critics argue that many cases go unreported or are mishandled due to institutional silence, poor accountability, and protectionism within school leadership.
In Ayiro’s case, former students say their reports were ignored or dismissed, and the teacher’s misconduct was allowed to continue for years due to his charismatic persona and spiritual authority.
If convicted, Ayiro would not only face criminal penalties but would also be automatically deregistered, blacklisted by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and barred from obtaining a certificate of good conduct, rendering him permanently ineligible for any public or teaching role.
