The Teachers Service Commission is based on Article 237 of the Constitution of Kenya. The composition of the Commission is led by a Chairperson and eight members appointed in line with the Constitution provision and Section 8 of the TSC Act. Dr. Muturi has served as Chairperson of the TSC since his appointment in 2021.
Qualifications for TSC Commissioners
Chairperson Qualifications:
- Holds a degree in education from a recognized university in Kenya.
- Has a minimum service of fifteen years in teaching and training.
- Meets the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution.
Member Qualifications:
- Holds a degree from a recognized university in Kenya.
- Has at least ten years of experience in education, governance, management, or law
- Meets the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution
- At least two-thirds of the members must have experience in education.
List of Current TSC Commissioners
| S/N | Commissioner Name | Year Appointed | Year to Exit | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dr. Jamleck Muturi John | 2021 | 2027 | Chairperson |
| 2 | Mbage Njuguna | 2020 | 2026 | Member |
| 3 | Leila Abdi | 2020 | 2026 | Member |
| 4 | Timon Oyucho | 2021 | 2027 | Member |
| 5 | Nicodemus Ojuma Anyang | 2021 | 2027 | Member |
| 6 | Sharon Kahindi | 2021 | 2027 | Member |
| 7 | Sharon Jelagat Kisire | 2021 | 2027 | Member |
| 8 | Annceta Wafukho | 2021 | 2027 | Member |
| 9 | Salesa Adano Abudo | 2021 | 2027 | Member |
Functions and Powers of the TSC
- Register trained teachers: The TSC is mandated to register all trained teachers.
- Recruit and employ teachers: The Commission recruits and employs registered teachers to public schools and institutions.
- Assign teachers: Teachers are posted to schools or institutions where their services are needed.
- Promote and transfer teachers: The Commission promotes and transfers teaching service.
- Disciplinary control: The TSC exercises disciplinary control over teachers; this may include terminating one’s employment if need be.
- Policy making: The TSC makes policies to attain its mandate and gives strategic direction and leadership to its Secretariat.
- Teaching standards: The Commission ensures that teachers conform to prescribed teaching standards.
- Payroll management: The TSC manages the payroll for all teachers in the employment of the Commission.
- Career progression: Facilitates career progression and professional development, including head teacher and principals’ appointments.
- Conduct and performance monitoring: Monitors the conduct and performance of a teacher within the teaching Service.
Role of the TSC
- Review education standards, Question standards of education and training for entry into the teaching profession.
- Assess teacher demand and supply. Assess the demand for and supply of teachers in Kenya.
- Advise the government; Advise the national government on matters relating to the teaching profession.
- Maintain teaching service: Establish and maintain a teaching service adequate for public learning institutions in Kenya.
Final Thoughts
The TSC plays a great role in the development of education in Kenya. In providing guarantees to recruit, develop, and retain competent teachers, the TSC upholds high standards of education and training. Its policies and oversight are guided toward having an effective and efficient teaching service benefiting both educators and students across the country.