NAIROBI, Kenya – The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has introduced a new digital framework to manage teacher transfers across Kenya’s 32,000 public schools, replacing the manual system long criticised for favoritism and abuse.
The updated policy, unveiled before the Senate Education Committee, seeks to ensure fairness, address legitimate health concerns, and promote equitable staffing.
Transfers will now be guided by vacancy availability, balanced teacher distribution, and verified medical grounds.
Stricter Verification for Medical Transfers
TSC Director of Staffing Antoina Lentojoni told senators that local administrators and sub-county directors will play a key role in authenticating transfer requests.
“Local supervisors know the teachers better than we do at headquarters,” she said, stressing that medical transfers must now be backed by certified doctor’s records, verified on the ground.
Acting CEO Eveleen Mitei noted that the reforms were designed to curb fraudulent practices.
“In harsh environments, teachers can easily obtain records, whether the illness is genuine or not,” Mitei said, adding that field officers will now be deployed to scrutinise such claims.
New Digital E-Transfer Module
The centrepiece of the reforms is an automated e-transfer module, piloted to streamline the process. The system includes:
- Online applications and real-time notifications.
- Automated matching of applicants with available posts.
- A digital swap feature for mutual transfers.
- Rejection or approval letters generated electronically.
Teachers must serve at least five years before requesting a transfer, though exceptions will apply in hardship or special cases after three years.
Applications unmatched within 90 days will automatically be extended for 180 days before rejection.
Reform Backed by Senate, Legal Team
The reforms were endorsed during a joint TSC–Senate Education Committee retreat in Mombasa chaired by Senator Betty Montet.
TSC Legal Director Calvin Anyuor said the changes align the commission’s mandate with constitutional requirements of transparency and fairness.
By embracing technology, the commission hopes to reduce manipulation, guarantee accountability, and provide predictability for teachers while stabilising staffing levels in schools across the country.
