Kenyans teaching without approval from the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) have been put on notice, with the commission warning that the practice could land them in jail or cost them a hefty fine.
In a gazette notice dated January 2, 2026, TSC Chief Executive Officer Eveleen Mitei said anyone found teaching or assisting in teaching without being registered risks a fine of up to KSh100,000, a jail term of up to two years, or both.
Mitei said the warning was meant to remind both teachers and schools that registration with the commission is not optional, but a legal requirement meant to safeguard learners and maintain standards in the education sector.
“Any person who is not registered as a teacher and goes ahead to teach in any school is committing an offence under the law,” she said, citing provisions of the TSC Act.
The caution is not directed at individuals alone. Schools and other learning institutions that employ unregistered teachers could also face penalties. According to the commission, hiring teachers who are not on its register violates the law and exposes institutions to sanctions.
The latest notice comes against the backdrop of disciplinary action taken by the commission in recent months. In November last year, TSC deregistered three teachers after investigations found them to have breached the professional code of conduct. Once deregistered, the teachers immediately lost their legal status to teach.
TSC emphasised that a teacher whose name is removed from the register cannot return to the classroom unless the commission formally reinstates them.
Under the teachers’ code of conduct, educators are expected to act professionally, responsibly and in the best interest of learners at all times. When complaints are raised, the commission said it moves swiftly to investigate, either directly or through its agents.
If the allegations are serious, the affected teacher is issued with an interdiction letter outlining the claims. Where wrongdoing is confirmed, further disciplinary action follows.
The commission urged school managers, parents and teachers to remain vigilant and ensure that only qualified and duly registered teachers are allowed in classrooms, saying the rules are meant to protect learners and uphold the integrity of the teaching profession
