New measures by the Teachers Service Commission have placed fresh responsibility on both teachers and learning institutions across the country.
The Commission has made it clear that teaching is a regulated profession and only those who meet the required standards and are officially registered are allowed to offer teaching services in Kenya.
According to the Commission, anyone who teaches or helps in teaching without being registered risks facing serious legal consequences.
These include a possible jail term of up to two years, a fine of not less than Ksh100,000, or both. The warning was issued through a gazette notice dated January 2, 2026, and was signed by TSC Chief Executive Officer Eveleen Mitei.
The notice serves as a reminder that teaching without approval from the Commission is a violation of the law.
The Commission has also turned its attention to schools and other learning institutions. Institutions that employ unregistered teachers are equally at risk of punishment.
TSC warned that such schools could face similar penalties for going against the law. This move is meant to ensure that learners are taught by qualified and accountable professionals who meet the standards set by the Commission.
Mitei explained that employing or engaging unregistered teachers goes against several legal provisions. These include the TSC Act, specific sections of the Code of Regulations for Teachers, and other related laws that guide the teaching profession.
The Commission says these laws exist to protect learners, uphold professionalism, and maintain discipline within the education sector.
The warning comes shortly after the Commission deregistered three teachers in November last year following a disciplinary process. The teachers, identified by their TSC numbers 778322, 1024775, and 739070, were removed from the official register after allegedly violating the code of conduct.
Once removed, they legally stopped being teachers under the TSC Act.TSC further emphasized that once a teacher’s name is struck off the register, reinstatement is not automatic.
Such a teacher can only be allowed back through a direct decision by the Commission. Until then, they are not permitted to teach in any school or institution recognized under the Act.
The Commission also restated the importance of the teacher’s code of conduct. Teachers are required to carry out their duties responsibly and behave professionally at all times while at work.
This includes respecting learners, colleagues, and school rules, as well as upholding the values of the profession.
When a teacher is suspected of going against these standards, the Commission does not take the matter lightly. Investigations are launched immediately, either directly by the Commission or through its appointed agents. If there is enough reason to proceed, the teacher is issued with a letter of interdiction.
This letter clearly outlines the allegations being made.
If investigations confirm the accusations, the interdiction is upheld and further disciplinary action may follow. TSC says these steps are necessary to protect the integrity of the teaching profession and ensure that education standards in the country are not compromised.
The Commission is urging both teachers and institutions to follow the law and respect the regulations governing the profession.
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