Teaching in Kenya without TSC registration now attracts jail time or a Ksh100,000 fine. Learn what the law says, who is affected, and what schools must do.
Teaching Without TSC Registration in Kenya Now Attracts Jail Term or Heavy Fine
Kenyans offering teaching services without proper registration by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) now face severe legal consequences. The warning follows a firm directive issued by the Commission emphasizing strict enforcement of existing laws governing the teaching profession in Kenya.
The move signals a major shift in how teaching compliance is monitored, targeting not only unregistered individuals but also institutions that knowingly or unknowingly engage them.
What the Law Says About Teaching Without Registration
Under Kenyan law, teaching is a regulated profession. Anyone offering instructional services in a school setting must be formally registered by the Teachers Service Commission. Failure to comply now carries stiff penalties, including:
A fine of not less than Ksh100,000
Imprisonment of up to two years
Or both a fine and jail term
This applies to anyone who teaches or assists in teaching while not recognized under the TSC register.
Institutions Are Also at Risk
Schools, colleges, and learning institutions are no longer shielded from liability. Institutions that hire or retain unregistered teachers risk facing the same penalties as the offenders themselves.
This directive places new responsibility on:
School boards
Principals and headteachers
Proprietors of private institutions
Institutions must now conduct strict verification before hiring teaching staff.
Why TSC Is Enforcing the Law Strictly
The Commission’s decision is aimed at:
Protecting the integrity of the teaching profession
Ensuring learners are taught by qualified, vetted professionals
Eliminating misconduct and unprofessional practices
Teaching is no longer viewed as a casual engagement but as a regulated service with legal obligations.
Deregistration Means Permanent Exit from Teaching
Recent actions by the Commission show the seriousness of enforcement. Teachers found guilty of violating the professional code have had their names removed from the official register.
Once removed:
The individual ceases to be a teacher immediately
Reinstatement is not automatic
Only the Commission can authorize a return to the register
This means deregistration effectively ends one’s teaching career unless formally reversed.
Code of Conduct: What Teachers Must Uphold
Teachers are required to:
Act professionally at all times
Follow lawful instructions
Uphold integrity within and outside school premises
Violation of these standards triggers investigations that may result in interdiction, dismissal, or deregistration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I teach in a private school without TSC registration? No. All teachers, whether in public or private institutions, must be registered.
What happens if my name is removed from the TSC register? You immediately stop being a teacher under the law.
Can schools be fined for hiring unregistered teachers? Yes. Institutions face similar penalties.
