TSC Unveils Digital Transfer System: Newly Employed Teachers Can Request Transfers Before 5 Years
Good news for teachers: The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has launched a fully digital transfer system, allowing newly employed teachers to apply for transfers without waiting for the five-year minimum service rule.
According to TSC Acting CEO Evaleen Mitei, the new platform will make transfers faster, fairer, and more transparent by introducing automated matching, swap requests, and real-time notifications.
Key Features of the New TSC Transfer System
- Automated matching and swap options
- Requests filtered by institution type (primary, junior, senior school, TTC)
- Subject-level considerations for fair deployment
- Structured timelines aligned with school holidays
- Real-time updates and notifications
- Integration with teacher records and escalation mechanisms
How the System Works
- Login: Teachers access the portal using their TSC number, ID, and mobile phone (OTP verification required).
- Identification: The system detects whether the teacher is in primary, junior, senior school, or TTC.
- Application: Teachers submit transfer requests, specify desired location, and upload supporting documents.
- Tracking: Applications progress through statuses — Pending → Approved / Not Approved.
- Approval & Reporting: Approved transfers come with reporting instructions, aligned to school holiday periods.
- Institution Role: Heads of schools log in to recommend, comment, or decline requests.
Swaps Before Five Years
The platform introduces a major shift: teachers can request swaps even before completing five years of service. If no match is found within 90 days, the system extends the search for another 90 days. After 180 days, unsuccessful applicants are formally notified of the decline.
Union Reactions
“We need clarity on its benefits and challenges before implementation. The old system was already working,”
— Collins Oyuu, KNUT Secretary General
“If this system delivers faster and more transparent results, it is a positive step,”
— Moses Nthurima, Acting Deputy SG, KUPPET
Why It Matters
The new transfer module is part of TSC’s 2023–2027 Strategic Plan, which prioritises digitisation and efficiency. It aims to reduce delays, curb malpractice, and ensure fairness in teacher deployment.
