TSC Functions: Roles and Functions of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) Kenya

What are the functions of the TSC Commission? The roles of TSC in Education In Kenya

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) in Kenya is a vital institution that plays a pivotal role in the education sector.

Established in 1967, the TSC was created to streamline the management of teachers’ affairs in the country.

This article will delve into the comprehensive functions and additional roles of the Teachers Service Commission, emphasizing its mandate as outlined in the Kenyan Constitution and the TSC Act.

Membership of the Teachers Service Commission

The TSC consists of a chairperson and eight other members, all of whom serve on a full-time basis for a non-renewable term of six years.

The criteria for their appointment are rigorous to ensure that individuals of the highest caliber are entrusted with this responsibility.

The chairperson must possess:

A degree in education from a recognized Kenyan university.
A minimum of fifteen years of experience in matters relating to education and training.
Compliance with the leadership and integrity requirements stipulated in Chapter Six of the Constitution.

Similarly, members of the Commission must meet specific qualifications:

Hold a degree from a recognized Kenyan university.
Possess a minimum of ten years of experience in fields such as education, governance, management, or law.
Adhere to the constitutional requirements for leadership and integrity.

The President, during the appointment of Commission members, is tasked with ensuring that at least two-thirds of them have experience in the education sector, underlining the importance of education expertise within the Commission’s composition.

Functions of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) Kenya

Article 237 of the Kenyan Constitution spells out the primary mandate and functions of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).

These functions are as follows:

#1. Register Trained Teachers

TSC is responsible for the registration of trained teachers.

This crucial step ensures that all teachers meet the minimum qualifications and standards required to teach in Kenyan schools.

#2. Recruit and Employ Registered Teachers

The Commission oversees the recruitment and employment of registered teachers, thereby acting as a central authority in the hiring process for teachers across Kenya.

#3. Assign Teachers for Service

TSC assigns teachers employed by the Commission to various public schools and institutions.

This ensures an equitable distribution of teaching personnel across the country.

#4. Promote and Transfer Teachers

TSC is responsible for promoting and transferring teachers as necessary.

These actions help in career progression and also cater to the evolving needs of the education system.

#5. Exercise Disciplinary Control

The Commission holds the authority to exercise disciplinary control over teachers, ensuring that ethical standards and professional conduct are upheld within the teaching profession.

#6. Terminate Employment

In certain situations, TSC may need to terminate the employment of teachers.

This action is typically taken in response to serious misconduct or violations of professional standards.

#7. Review Standards of Education

TSC periodically reviews the standards of education and training for individuals entering the teaching service.

This ensures that teacher training programs remain relevant and aligned with the needs of the education sector.

#8. Review Teacher Demand and Supply

The Commission assesses the demand for and supply of teachers in the country, helping to maintain an appropriate teacher-to-student ratio and address any shortages or surpluses.

#9. Advise the National Government

TSC serves as an advisory body to the national government on matters related to the teaching profession.

Its insights and recommendations contribute to shaping education policies and practices.

Additional Roles and Functions of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC)

In addition to the functions outlined in Article 237 of the Constitution, the TSC Act under Section 11 extends the mandate and functions of the Teachers Service Commission. These additional roles include:

#1. Policy Formulation

TSC formulates policies aimed at achieving its mandate.

These policies guide the Commission’s actions and initiatives within the education sector.

#2. Leadership and Oversight

The Commission provides strategic direction, leadership, and oversight to its secretariat.

This ensures that the organization’s activities are coordinated and aligned with its goals.

#3. Teaching Standards Compliance

TSC ensures that teachers adhere to the teaching standards prescribed by the Commission.

This helps maintain a high level of professionalism and competence among educators.

#4. Payroll Management

The Commission manages the payroll of teachers in its employment.

This includes salary disbursement and related financial matters.

#5. Career Progression and Professional Development

TSC is responsible for facilitating career progression and professional development opportunities for teachers in the teaching service.

This includes the appointment of head teachers and principals.

#6. Monitoring Teacher Conduct and Performance

The Commission monitors the conduct and performance of teachers in the teaching service to maintain high ethical and professional standards.

#7. Other Necessary Actions

TSC has the authority to take any other actions necessary for the effective discharge of its functions and exercise of its powers.

Powers of the Teachers Service Commission

The Commission is endowed with significant powers, as outlined in Article 252 of the Kenyan Constitution:

#1. Investigative Authority

TSC can conduct investigations either on its own initiative or in response to public complaints.

#2. Mediation and Negotiation

The Commission has the power to engage in conciliation, mediation, and negotiation processes.

#3. Recruitment of Staff

TSC can recruit its own staff to support its operations.

#4. Prescribed Powers

The Commission is also empowered to perform any functions and exercise any powers prescribed by legislation, in addition to those conferred by the Constitution.

Furthermore, Section 3 of the Teachers Service Commission Act provides the Commission with the authority to acquire, hold, charge, and dispose of movable and immovable property.

It may also inform itself, receive statements from the public, require the attendance of individuals, and is not bound by strict rules of evidence in its decision-making processes.

Conclusion

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) in Kenya is a multifaceted institution with a broad mandate and an array of functions.

Its role in managing and overseeing the affairs of teachers in the education sector is instrumental in ensuring the quality of education in the country.

From registration to employment, discipline to policy formulation, TSC plays a crucial role in shaping the future of education in Kenya.

Understanding its functions and additional roles underscores the significance of this commission in the nation’s development and educational progress.

For more information on the mandate and functions of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) Kenya, as well as additional provisions, it is advisable to consult the Teachers Service Commission Act and visit their official website at tsc.go.ke.

FAQs about the Functions of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) in Kenya

Q: What is the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) in Kenya?

A: The TSC is a vital institution established in 1967 to streamline the management of teachers’ affairs in Kenya, ensuring the quality of education in the country.

Q: What are the primary functions of the TSC?

A: The primary functions of the TSC, as outlined in Article 237 of the Kenyan Constitution, include registering trained teachers, recruiting and employing registered teachers, assigning teachers for service, promoting and transferring teachers, exercising disciplinary control, terminating employment, reviewing standards of education, reviewing teacher demand and supply, and advising the national government on matters related to the teaching profession.

Q: What additional roles does the TSC have?

A: In addition to its primary functions, the TSC, as outlined in the TSC Act under Section 11, formulates policies, provides leadership and oversight, ensures compliance with teaching standards, manages payroll, facilitates career progression and professional development, monitors teacher conduct and performance, and takes any other actions necessary for the effective discharge of its functions and exercise of its powers.

Q: What powers does the TSC have?

A: The TSC, as outlined in Article 252 of the Kenyan Constitution, has the authority to conduct investigations, engage in conciliation, mediation, and negotiation processes, recruit its own staff, perform any functions and exercise any powers prescribed by legislation, and acquire, hold, charge, and dispose of property.

Q: How does the TSC ensure the quality of education in Kenya?

A: The TSC ensures the quality of education in Kenya by registering trained teachers, recruiting qualified educators, monitoring teacher conduct and performance, and reviewing standards of education to ensure they remain relevant and aligned with the needs of the education sector.

Q: How can I learn more about the TSC’s functions and roles?

A: For more information on the mandate and functions of the TSC, as well as additional provisions, it is advisable to consult the Teachers Service Commission Act and visit their official website at tsc.go.ke.