The Teachers Service Commission’s digital system for teacher transfers is finally up and running. Both the TSC and teachers should be happy partners thanks to the convenience of the system that will save the tutors the back-breaking paperwork.
In a circular to regional, county, and sub-county directors, acting TSC CEO Eveleen Mitei says the new “Teacher Transfer Module” will promote fairness in teacher distribution, boosting efficiency. This rollout, she said, is part of the commission’s digitisation plan under the Commission’s Strategic Plan 2023–2027.
“To enhance automation and digitisation of services in line with our transformation agenda, the commission has rolled out the Teacher Transfer Module to streamline this critical process,” Mitei said.
The platform sends real-time updates and notifications to keep applicants informed about the status of their requests. It also supports mutual swaps, where two teachers agree to exchange their positions — once both accept, the system locks in the swap automatically.
Transfers will be aligned with school holidays to avoid interruption of learning. The online system also sets a minimum period a teacher must serve before requesting a transfer, but swaps can be requested earlier.
If no swap match is achieved within 90 days, the teacher will be given an extra 90 days, however the request dies within 180 days.
Mitei said applications will be filtered according to institution type—primary, junior school, senior school, or TTC—and by subject where necessary, including for newly hired teachers.
Applicants will use their TSC number, ID and mobile phone to log into the TSC portal. A one-time code is sent to their phone for secure access. They then submit current school, desired transfer location, reason, and any supporting documents like medical letters.
On the portal, the application will be marked as “Pending,” “Approved” or “Not Approved” for seamless tracking. Once approved, teachers are informed when to leave their current station and report to the new posting.
However, the system has received a mixed response from teacher unions.
Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) secretary-general Collins Oyuu faulted the TSC for making the bold step without consulting teachers.
“We need to understand its advantages and disadvantages before rollout,” Oyuu said. However, the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) welcomed the development. Acting deputy secretary-general Moses Nthurima said it could reduce delays and corruption.
