If you’re a teacher in Kenya under the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), you can retire whether you’re approaching the mandatory retirement age or considering early retirement.
Here’s how you can smoothly apply for your pension benefits and what you need to know before you go.
According to the TSC, teachers are required to retire at:
- Age 60 for most teachers, or
- Age 65 for teachers living with disabilities.
TSC also allows voluntary early retirement.
“A teacher may opt to retire early upon attaining the age of 50 years and having completed at least 10 years of continuous service on permanent and pensionable terms.’
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Write Your Retirement Application
Teachers wishing to retire must submit a written application through their head of institution at least three months before their intended retirement date.
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The application must:
- Clearly state the intended retirement date.
- Be accompanied by a notice letter from the institution’s head.
Step 2: TSC Reviews and Processes Your Request
Once your application is received, the TSC will:
Consider and approve the retirement request.
Issue an official retirement notice.
Begin processing your retirement claim, provided all required documents are submitted.
The claim is then forwarded to the Director of Pensions at the Treasury for payment processing.
Step 3: Submit All Required Documents
For a smooth transition, teachers are required to provide the following documentation:
- A duly filled TSC clearance certificate
- Two copies (front and back) of your bank plate
- Two copies of your National ID card
- A completed Option to Commute Pension form (2 copies)
- A bank form for a lump sum pension payment
- Promotion letters or certificates (2 copies each)
- The earliest available payslip showing WCPS deductions (for male teachers)
- A marriage certificate or affidavit (for name discrepancies)
- NSSF statement (for untrained teachers)
- KRA PIN certificate (2 copies)
Step 4: Financial Obligations Before Exit
Before retiring, teachers must:
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Ensure that all forms are completed correctly and submitted.
Update bank details accurately.
Clear with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), including paying any outstanding taxes.
Indicate whether they wish to commute up to 25% of their pension (a lump sum payout option).
Final Steps: From TSC to Treasury
Once TSC verifies all documents and issues your retirement clearance, your pension claim is officially sent to the Treasury’s Director of Pensions.
This is where the actual payment process begins.
Teachers planning to exit the TSC system should initiate the process early, ensure accurate documentation, and follow up consistently.
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