The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) plays a crucial role in Kenya’s education system, managing the affairs of all teachers in the country. With the digitalization of its services through the TSC portal, the commission has significantly streamlined processes, allowing teachers to access important services such as payslips, appraisals, and teacher registration online. This article provides a detailed guide on how to apply and register for a TSC number in Kenya, along with other essential services provided through the TSC portal.
What is the Teachers Service Commission (TSC)?
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) is an independent constitutional body established under Article 237 of the Kenyan Constitution. Created in 1967, TSC was formed in response to the disparities in teachers’ remuneration and working conditions, which arose from the fragmented systems of employing teachers. Initially, teachers were employed by missionaries, local authorities, and the Central Government, leading to unequal pay and conditions. The Ominde Commission report of 1964 recommended the formation of the TSC to ensure uniform employment terms and provide centralized management for the teaching profession.
The TSC’s mandate includes:
- Registering teachers.
- Employing and promoting teachers.
- Appraising, disciplining, and remunerating teachers.
Key Services Offered by the TSC Portal
The TSC portal has revolutionized how teachers access services. Below are some of the key services available on the platform:
1. T-Pay (TSC Payslip)
T-Pay allows teachers to access their online payslips easily. To register, teachers must visit their nearest TSC county office with their national ID. Once registered, teachers can log in to the TSC payslip portal using their TSC number and password.
2. TPAD (Teacher Performance Appraisal and Development)
TPAD is an open appraisal system that evaluates teachers’ performance and supports their professional development. Teachers can create a TPAD account on the TSC portal, log in using their TSC number, and complete the appraisal forms as required.
3. Wealth Declaration
TSC teachers must declare their wealth every two years, as stipulated by the law. Teachers can fill out their wealth declaration forms on the TSC portal, which include declaring assets, liabilities, and income.
4. TSC Registration Status Check
Teachers can check the status of their TSC number application online. By entering their ID or passport number, applicants can track the progress of their registration.
How to Apply for a TSC Number
Obtaining a TSC number is mandatory for anyone looking to practice as a teacher in Kenya. Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying for your TSC number:
- Prepare the Required Documents
To apply, you need to have scanned copies of the following documents:- Certified academic and professional certificates.
- National ID.
- One passport-size photo.
- KRA PIN certificate.
- Certificate of Good Conduct from the DCI.
- GP69 medical form.
- Bank slip for the application fee (Ksh 1,055).
- Visit the TSC Portal
Go to the TSC portal and click on ‘New Teacher Registration.’ You will be prompted to enter your ID or passport number and surname. - Fill in the Applicant’s Basic Details
Complete the form with your personal details, including your name, date of birth, religion, gender, and current and permanent addresses. - Enter Education and Professional Qualifications
Provide details of your education history, such as the institution’s name, the period of study, specializations, and the certificate number. You will also need to upload your academic and professional certificates. - Upload Required Documents
Ensure that all your scanned documents are uploaded correctly. You will be notified on the screen once the files have been successfully uploaded. - Submit Application
After completing all sections of the application, proceed to submit it. You will need to pay a non-refundable fee of Ksh 1,055, which can be made via direct banking or the PayBill service. - Receive Confirmation
Once your application is processed, you will receive a certificate of registration with your TSC number within 30 days. You can also check your application status online.
How to Apply for a Duplicate Certificate of Registration
In case your TSC certificate is lost or destroyed, you can apply for a duplicate certificate. This process is entirely online, and you need to pay a non-refundable fee of Ksh 2,055 to the TSC registration account.
How to Check TSC Registration Status
To check the status of your registration:
- Visit the TSC portal.
- Click ‘Registration Status.’
- Enter your ID or passport number, and your status will be displayed.
Contact TSC
For any inquiries, you can contact the TSC head office or regional offices through the following:
- Head Office: info@tsc.go.ke | 020 289 2000
- Nairobi Region: cdirnairobi@tsc.go.ke | P.O. Box 49416 – 00100, Nairobi
- Western Region: cdirkakamega@tsc.go.ke | P.O. Box 2964 – 50100, Kakamega
Visit the TSC website for more regional contact details.
The TSC portal has simplified the management of teachers’ affairs in Kenya, ensuring transparency and efficiency. Whether you’re applying for a TSC number, accessing your payslip, or filling in your appraisal forms, the TSC portal offers all these services at the click of a button. By following the steps outlined in this guide, teachers can seamlessly register and manage their TSC affairs from the comfort of their homes.
