The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has set out the rules governing teacher transfers across the 32,000 public schools. The framework focuses on fairness, medical considerations, and ensuring continuity of learning.
Appearing before the Senate Education Committee, TSC Director of Staffing Antonina Lentoijoni said transfers are determined by factors such as vacancies, equitable distribution of teachers, and valid medical grounds.
She said teachers may also seek transfers on medical grounds, but applications must be backed by reports from registered doctors and validated by school heads and county or sub-county directors.
“Local supervisors know the teachers better than we do at headquarters. Their input helps us confirm the authenticity of medical cases,” she said, stressing the need for caution to prevent abuse of the policy. She noted that some teachers, particularly those in hardship areas like Mandera, have previously presented questionable medical records to secure transfers.
“Teachers in harsh environments can easily obtain records, whether the illness is genuine or not,” she said. Verification from field officers, she stressed, is critical before action is taken. Committee chairperson Betty Montet said the Mombasa retreat was important in addressing teacher recruitment, staffing policies, and transfer frameworks.
The deliberations come a month after TSC launched a pilot e-transfer module designed to enhance transparency and efficiency in teacher deployment. TSC acting CEO Evaleen Mitei said the upgraded system, which features automated matching and swap functionalities, mandatory service tenure, and real-time notifications, aligns with the commission’s constitutional mandate.
Teachers can now apply for transfers or swaps digitally. While the five-year service rule remains, applications may be made after three years in a station under exceptional circumstances.
If no match is found within 90 days, the search extends automatically; after 180 days, a regret letter is issued. Approved transfers generate digital letters sent directly to institutions, making the process faster and more transparent.