TSC Deregisters 33 Teachers: What It Means for the Education Sector

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has taken decisive action by deregistering 33 teachers in Kenya, effective January 7, 2025. This move follows disciplinary proceedings and is aimed at maintaining professional standards in the teaching profession.

Why Were These Teachers Deregistered?

According to a Gazette notice issued on February 5, 2025, by TSC CEO Nancy Macharia, the deregistration was carried out under Section 30(2) of the TSC Act. A teacher can be deregistered if he/she:

• Dies – The teacher’s registration is automatically revoked upon confirmation of death.
• Obtains registration fraudulently – Those found to have used fake academic credentials to secure employment.
• Has been convicted of a sexual offense or an offense against a learner – This includes cases of harassment, abuse, or exploitation of students.
• Has been convicted of a criminal offense that renders them unfit to be a teacher – Examples include theft, violence, or other serious crimes.
• Is found unfit to teach following disciplinary proceedings – This includes gross misconduct, negligence, or repeated violation of professional ethics.
• Suffers from physical or mental illness or infirmity that renders them incapable of performing their duties – This applies when a teacher’s condition affects their ability to teach effectively.

Whenever a teacher is deregistered, his or her name is published in the Kenya Gazette, making it a public record.

What Happens After Deregistration?

Once a teacher is deregistered:

• They are prohibited from teaching in any public or private school in Kenya.
• Any school employing a deregistered teacher risks penalties, including a fine of up to KSh 100,000 or a jail term of up to 12 months, or both.
• Their name is permanently removed from the official TSC register, making them ineligible for re-employment under TSC unless a special review is conducted.

What Should Schools and Teachers Do?

For teachers, this serves as a strong reminder to uphold professionalism, follow ethical guidelines, and avoid misconduct that could lead to career-ending consequences. Schools must also conduct thorough background checks when hiring to avoid penalties and ensure students are in safe hands.

A Pattern of Tightened Regulations

This is not the first time TSC has deregistered teachers. In August 2024, another 33 teachers were struck off the register, and earlier in the year, 65 more faced a similar fate. These consistent crackdowns indicate that TSC is intensifying its oversight role to weed out individuals who fail to meet professional and moral standards.

The deregistration of teachers also aligns with broader efforts by the Ministry of Education to enhance discipline, safeguard learners, and restore public confidence in Kenya’s education system.

What This Means for the Future of Teaching in Kenya

As the education sector evolves, teachers must remain vigilant in adhering to professional ethics. The growing scrutiny means that even minor violations could have severe consequences. The future of the teaching profession will likely see more emphasis on:

• Continuous professional development to equip teachers with the latest skills and knowledge.
• Stronger enforcement of teacher conduct policies to eliminate cases of misconduct.
• Better monitoring of private schools to ensure they do not hire deregistered individuals.

With education playing a critical role in national development, only the most qualified, disciplined, and ethical teachers should be allowed to shape the future of Kenyan students.

What are your thoughts on this move by TSC? Do you think it will help improve the education sector? Let’s discuss in the comments!