Teachers charged with serious criminal offenses could be removed from their duties and placed on half basic salary under sweeping reforms proposed in the Teachers Service Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
The proposed law seeks to introduce tougher disciplinary measures for teachers while expanding the powers of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) the regulate, manage, and oversee the teaching profession.
Under the bill, a teacher charged with a serious criminal offense would be required to vacate office pending the determination of the case.
During that period, the teacher would receive half of the basic salary but continue to earn full allowances.
The proposed reforms also introduce a wider range of disciplinary offenses that could expose teachers to sanctions by the commission.
Among the new offenses listed in the bill are cyberbullying, exposing learners to pornography, exposing learners to drugs and other harmful substances, and engaging in other gainful employment while serving under TSC.
The changes are contained in a bill published on September 11 and are currently before Parliament for consideration.
Tougher TSC Discipline Code
The bill seeks to strengthen the commission’s disciplinary mandate by providing a broader framework for investigating and punishing professional misconduct.
Teachers found culpable of misconduct could face disciplinary action under the expanded provisions in the proposed law.
The legislation introduces new definitions including “sexual exploitation” and “serious offence”, key terms that would guide the commission in handling disciplinary matters.
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The reforms also seek to enhance professional accountability through enhanced performance management and appraisal systems for teachers and institutional administrators.
Institutional administrators under the proposed law include heads of institutions and other officials charged with management responsibilities in learning institutions.
The bill further proposes the establishment of standards for teacher registration, professional conduct and service delivery.
Teachers would also be required to comply with continuous professional development requirements to maintain professional standards in the sector.
In addition, the commission would be empowered to undertake teacher capacity building and oversee the implementation of professional growth programs.
The proposed law establishes the Institute of Teacher Support and Professional Development, which would support teacher training and professional advancement.
The institute would operate under the commission and support continuous professional development programs intended to enhance teachers’ skills and competencies throughout their careers.
Heavier Penalties
The bill also targets fraud and document-related offenses involving teachers.
Individuals found guilty of offenses relating to registration fraud or the use of forged documents would face stiffer penalties under the proposed changes.
The legislation raises penalties for some offenses from KSh100,000 to a fine of up to KSh1 million, imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both.
The reforms further seek to decentralize TSC services through the establishment of zonal, sub-county, county and regional offices across the country.
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The commission would also gain powers to appoint and deploy institutional administrators as part of efforts to enhance service delivery in learning institutions.
To handle disputes arising from disciplinary decisions, the bill proposes the creation of a Teachers Service Review Committee.
The committee would hear applications for review lodged by teachers aggrieved by disciplinary decisions made by the commission.
The proposed law also introduces additional definitions, including “registered teacher”, “trained teacher” and “institutional administrator”, to strengthen the legal framework governing the profession.
The bill additionally introduces a new schedule outlining minimum qualifications for teacher registration, including requirements for diploma holders, degree holders, teachers trained in special-needs education and foreign-trained teachers.
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