How Long Is TSC Maternity Leave? [Updated]

How Is TSC maternity Leave Calculated? How do Teachers Count Maternity Leave Days in Kenya?

In a positive move for teachers across the nation, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has recently extended the maternity leave duration for female teachers.

This update comes as a result of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (2021-2025), with specific provisions for maternity, paternity, and pre-adoptive leave.

This article will delve into the details of the updated TSC maternity leave policy and its implications for teachers.

Expanded Maternity Leave

Female teachers under the TSC can now enjoy an extended maternity leave of four months, encompassing a total of 120 calendar days with full pay.

This notable increase from the previous 90 days demonstrates the commitment of the TSC to the well-being of its female teaching staff.

The Executive Officer of the Teachers Service Commission, emphasized in a statement, “Female employees shall be entitled to 120 calendar days with full pay, with effect from the date of delivery, and the teacher shall not forfeit her annual leave on account of having taken maternity leave.”

This assurance is a welcome relief for female teachers, ensuring they receive full compensation during their maternity leave period without any impact on their annual leave entitlements.

Paternity Leave Boost

In addition to the extended maternity leave for female teachers, male teachers are also beneficiaries of the updated Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Male teachers are now entitled to 21 days of paternity leave with full pay.

This provision, effective once a year within the duration of the spouse’s maternity leave, acknowledges the importance of fathers being actively involved during the crucial early stages of their child’s life.

Pre-adoptive Leave Introduced

The updated policy also includes provisions for teachers seeking pre-adoptive time.

Teachers adopting children are now eligible for 45 calendar days of leave with full pay from the date of adoption.

This recognizes the unique circumstances surrounding adoptive parents, allowing them the necessary time to bond with and support their newly expanded families.

Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)

The agreement between the TSC and teachers’ unions paved the way for these crucial updates.

The new CBA, effective from July 2021, signifies a collaborative effort to address the needs and concerns of teachers.

The successful negotiation resulted in a substantial increase in both maternity and paternity leave, promoting a healthier work-life balance for teachers.

Online Leave Application Platform

In tandem with these policy updates, the Teachers Service Commission has streamlined the leave application process for teachers.

As part of the Strategic Plan, the Human Resource Management Information System (HRMIS) Leave Module for teachers was implemented from November 1, 2021.

This digital platform ensures a seamless and efficient process for teachers applying for maternity, paternity, or pre-adoptive leave.

Conclusion

The recent updates to the TSC maternity leave policy represent a significant stride toward recognizing and accommodating the diverse needs of teachers.

The extended maternity leave for female teachers, coupled with the introduction of paternity and pre-adoptive leave, highlights the TSC’s commitment to fostering a supportive work environment.

As teachers continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the future, these policy enhancements contribute to their overall well-being and job satisfaction.

The implementation of an online leave application platform further underscores the TSC’s dedication to modernizing administrative processes for the benefit of the teaching community.