Teachers in Kenya can now request transfers or swaps more easily through the Teachers Service Commission (TSC )’s new online system portal.
The platform is designed to simplify the process, reduce delays, and allow teachers to track their requests in real time.
The system comes with several features, including automated matching, swap options, subject and school-level considerations, structured timelines, and real-time notifications.
It supports mutual exchanges, locking in swaps once both parties consent to eliminate duplication.
Newly recruited teachers can also submit swap requests before completing five years of service.
Teachers are required to log in to the TSC portal, access the Transfer or Swap Module, complete and submit their request. Afterward, the actioning officer reviews and acts on it.
How Teachers Can Request Transfers or Swaps Through the TSC Digital System
To begin applying, teachers should visit the TSC website using their TSC number, national ID, and mobile phone.
They can access the portal via https://portal.tsc.go.ke/ using a browser, then enter their username and password.
The same password used for the Declaration of Income, Assets, and Liabilities system https://tsconline.tsc.go.ke, also known as Teachers Online Services (TOS), should be used.
If you are a new user who has not done a declaration before, or if you have forgotten your password, click on “Forgot Password”, enter the OTP sent to your official TSC email, and create a new password.
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Enter the OTP sent to your official TSC email, then click Verify OTP. If the OTP has expired, click Resend OTP. Note: OTPs expire 5 minutes after being sent.
Step-by-Step Guide
Next, you will be directed to the Teacher Dashboard, where you can view your profile, a summary on the main dashboard, and the sidebar menu
Next, click on Transfer & Swap in the sidebar menu, then select Request Transfer.
Click on Request Transfer and complete Steps 1–4: Profile, LOS, Reason, and Transfer To. The Profile and LOS fields are populated automatically by the system and cannot be edited.
From the dashboard, teachers can view previous requests, submit new transfer applications, or view available swap opportunities and take action by approving or accepting suitable swap requests
Transfer requests involve four steps: Profile, Length of Service (LOS), Reason for Transfer, and the preferred school.
Profile and LOS are automatically filled and cannot be edited. Through the portal, teachers can view available swap opportunities and take action by approving or accepting suitable swap requests.
Next after filling Steps 1–4: (Profile, LOS, Reason and Transfer To) click on Submit.
The Head of Institution (HOI) will log in using the same process as teachers. However, they have additional functionalities, including the ability to enter an HOI Comment and to view and approve transfer requests directly from the dashboard.
Transfers for HOIs and Deputy HOIs are handled administratively.
The HOI is able to preview transfer requests and add a comment before submitting their approval.
Also Read: TSC Announces New Promotion Guidelines for All Teachers – What It Entails
Teacher Transfers Scheduled During Holidays with Digital Tracking and Extensions
Approved transfers are scheduled during school holidays to minimize learning disruptions unless emergencies arise, in which case supporting evidence is required.
The system monitors timelines, automatically escalating delays exceeding five working days to the next-level supervisor.
Once approved, digital transfer letters are sent to the relevant HOI’s official email.
The portal is integrated with the Teacher Management Information System (TMIS), Entry-Exit System, and Electronic Document Management Systems (EDMS) for secure, real-time updates and record-keeping.
Teachers must generally serve at least three years in their current station before applying for another transfer, except where the Commission exercises its mandate to transfer teachers.
If a suitable replacement is not found within 90 days, the teacher receives an official email offering a 90-day extension. After 180 days, a final regret letter is issued.
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