The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has introduced a framework to guide teacher transfers across Kenya’s 32,000 public schools, emphasising fairness, medical considerations and uninterrupted learning.
According to the Commission, the new policy, which seeks to seal loopholes that have previously been exploited through questionable medical records, will now be based on factors such as available vacancies, equitable staffing, and verified medical grounds.
Speaking before the Senate Education Committee, TSC Director of Staffing Antonina Lentoijoni explained that transfers will take into account vacancies, fair distribution of teachers and legitimate medical cases.
“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,” she said.
“Local supervisors know the teachers better than we do at headquarters. Their input helps us confirm the authenticity of medical cases.”
Lentoijoni cautioned that some teachers, especially 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. Verification from field officers is critical before action is taken,” she said.
Committee chairperson Betty Montet emphasised the significance of the recent retreat in Mombasa, which focused on teacher recruitment, staffing policies and the transfer framework.
The new guidelines follow the launch of a pilot e-transfer module by TSC aimed at increasing transparency and efficiency in teacher deployment. Acting TSC 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.
Under the new system, 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 is automatically extended; after 180 days, a regret letter is issued. Approved transfers generate digital letters sent directly to institutions, making the process faster and more transparent.