Over 10,000 Teachers Exit TSC Payroll as Mandatory Retirement
In a significant development affecting Kenya’s education workforce, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has officially retired 10,200 teachers from its payroll as of June 30, 2025. The mass exit follows the attainment of the mandatory retirement age of 60 years for teachers serving under permanent and pensionable (PnP) terms. For teachers with disabilities, the retirement threshold stands at 65 years, in line with TSC employment regulations.
The departure includes both classroom teachers and school administrators, raising serious concerns about staffing gaps in public schools even as the government intensifies efforts to roll out Grade 10 under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) starting January 2026.
TSC Moves to Fill Gaps Left by Retirees
To avert a potential teaching crisis, TSC has announced plans to recruit 24,000 new teachers before the end of 2025. The Commission also aims to promote qualified staff into administrative roles, ensuring continuity in school leadership.
The upcoming September 2025 recruitment drive will prioritize filling vacancies left by retirees and address existing teacher shortages in both primary and post-primary institutions. According to Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogwang, the government has already hired 76,000 teachers in recent years, and the new hiring phase will further support CBC implementation at junior and senior secondary levels.
Categories of TSC Retirement and Service Exits Explained
Under TSC policies, there are ten recognized categories through which teachers may exit service:
- Mandatory Retirement – At age 60 for regular teachers and 65 for those with disabilities.
- Voluntary Early Retirement – For teachers aged 50+ with at least 10 years of service, upon written application submitted three months in advance.
- Retirement on Medical Grounds – Recommended by a medical board after health evaluation.
- Retirement in the Public Interest – Where deemed necessary for the benefit of the teaching service or public governance.
- Resignation – Teachers may resign by giving a three-month notice or paying one month’s basic salary in lieu. However, resignation does not qualify one for pension benefits unless they’re enrolled in the Widows and Children Pension Scheme (WCPS).
- Resignation on Marriage Grounds – Applicable to married female teachers after five years of service, who qualify for a marriage gratuity.
- Termination of Service – Can be initiated by either the teacher or the Commission under specific employment terms.
- Death Gratuity – Payable to dependants of deceased teachers who were under PnP terms.
- Killed While on Duty – Entitles next of kin to full pension benefits if death occurs during official duties.
- Release to Other Organizations or Transfer of Service – For teachers seconded to parastatals or other ministries.
Pension System Now Fully Digitized and Tax-Free for Retirees
Starting July 1, 2025, all gratuity payments to retiring teachers and civil servants will be exempt from taxation, following a directive from the National Treasury aimed at easing financial burdens on retirees.
To streamline pension processing, the government has implemented a fully digitized pension management system, allowing retired teachers to:
- Submit pension claims online
- Receive automatic approvals
- Track and manage disbursements remotely
This digital shift eliminates paperwork delays and increases transparency. Teachers are encouraged to register on the eCitizen Portal under the Pensions Department or visit designated Huduma Centres for assistance.
The Treasury had earlier conducted a Pensioner Self-Registration exercise between December 5, 2024, and February 28, 2025, targeting retirees from TSC, Civil Service, Police, Prisons, NYS, Military, and dependants of deceased public officers.
Required Documents for Pension Registration
For successful pension registration and processing, teachers or their dependants must submit scanned PDF copies of the following documents:
- National ID (front and back)
- Bank or SACCO ATM card showing account number
- Children’s birth certificates
- Original death certificate (for deceased pensioners)
- Disability Tax Exemption Certificate (if applicable)
Retired teachers seeking further clarification can contact TSC or the Pensions Department at the National Treasury directly for personalized assistance.
The End of an Era and a New Beginning
The mass retirement of 10,200 teachers from the TSC payroll is both a challenge and an opportunity. While it leaves a noticeable staffing gap across Kenyan schools, it also opens doors for thousands of young, qualified graduates awaiting TSC recruitment. With new hiring plans underway and digitized pension services already in place, the transition aims to be as smooth as possible for both retirees and the education system at large.
Teachers, both current and retired, are reminded to stay updated via the official TSC website and registered communication channels for updates on pension claims, recruitment notices, and career transition programs.
