How to File a Complaint Against a Teacher or School via TSC

Your child comes home from school in Ruiru or Kitengela, and the story they tell you makes your blood run cold. Maybe it’s about a teacher who is always absent, one who uses corporal punishment despite the ban, or something even more serious. You’ve tried talking to the school head, but nothing changed. Now what? You know you need to escalate it, but the process seems murky.

This is where the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) comes in. Filing a complaint with them is the official way to address serious professional misconduct. This guide breaks down the entire process, from gathering your evidence to submitting your case, in plain language. We’ll cover what the TSC handles, what they don’t, and how to make your complaint stick.

What Kind of Complaints Does the TSC Handle?

The TSC is not for every small school squabble. They deal with breaches of the Code of Regulations for Teachers and the Code of Conduct and Ethics. Think of it as reporting a professional for serious malpractice.

If your issue is about school fees, infrastructure, or the general administration of a private school, you’d start with the school’s board of management or the Ministry of Education. But for the actions of a registered teacher, the TSC is the ultimate authority.

Common Grounds for a TSC Complaint

These are the typical issues that warrant a formal TSC report:

• Professional Misconduct: Chronic absenteeism, drunkenness on duty, sexual harassment or relationships with learners, gross insubordination.
• Negligence of Duty: Failing to prepare lessons, not covering the syllabus, abandoning duty without leave.
• Ethical Violations: Corporal punishment, emotional abuse of learners, exam malpractice, incitement of learners.
• Criminal Offences: Any act by a teacher that is also a crime under Kenyan law, like assault or defilement.

Step-by-Step: How to File Your Complaint with TSC

Don’t just walk into the TSC offices on Upper Hill, Nairobi, empty-handed. Preparation is everything. A weak complaint gets ignored; a strong one gets action.

Step 1: Gather Your Evidence (Don’t Skip This!)

This is the most critical part. The TSC needs facts, not just feelings. Start collecting proof immediately.

• Written Statements: Write down a clear, dated account of the incident(s). If other parents or witnesses are involved, have them do the same.
• Documentary Evidence: Copies of relevant school reports, letters you’ve written to the school, medical reports (in cases of injury), or any relevant communication.
• Digital Evidence: Photos, videos, or audio recordings, if safely and legally obtained. Screenshots of inappropriate social media messages can also be evidence.
• Official Records: If it’s about absenteeism, try to get a copy of the school attendance register (this can be tricky, but a formal request to the Board can help).

Step 2: Write a Formal Complaint Letter

This is your official document. Keep it clear, concise, and professional.

1. Your Details: Start with your full name, ID number, phone number, and address.
2. Teacher/School Details: Clearly state the teacher’s full name, TSC number (if known), and the school’s name and location.
3. Statement of Facts: Describe what happened, sticking to the facts. Include dates, times, and locations. Use bullet points for multiple incidents.
4. Evidence List: Attach a list of all the evidence you are submitting (e.g., “Annex 1: Witness statement from John Doe”).
5. Your Prayer (Request): Clearly state what you want the TSC to do (e.g., “Investigate this matter and take disciplinary action”).
6. Signature and Date: Sign and date the letter.

Step 3: Submit Your Complaint

You have several ways to submit, but some are more effective than others.

• In Person: Take your complaint letter and all evidence copies to the nearest TSC County Director’s office. For Nairobi, that’s the TSC Headquarters at Upper Hill. Get a stamped acknowledgment copy.
• By Registered Post: Send your package via registered mail to: The Commission Secretary, Teachers Service Commission, Private Bag, 00100, Nairobi. This provides a proof of posting.
• Online: You can email the complaint to complaints@tsc.go.ke. However, for serious issues, follow up with a hard copy or visit to ensure it’s logged.

The Kenyan-Specific Reality: Navigating the Process Locally

Knowing the official process is one thing. Understanding how it works on the ground in Kenya is another. Here’s the real talk you need.

First, let’s talk cost. Filing the complaint itself is free. But your expenses come from gathering evidence. Getting certified copies of documents at a lawyer’s office might cost you KES 500-1,000 per page. Travelling to the TSC office? Factor in matatu fare or an Uber/Bolt trip from your estate. If you’re in Mombasa heading to Nairobi, that’s a whole different budget. Doing it right has a price, but it’s an investment in justice.

Second, timing is everything. Avoid starting this process just before the long holidays (April or August). Offices get busy with transfers and closures. The best time to push for action is during the school term, preferably at the start. Be prepared for follow-ups. You might need to make several trips to the County office. Carry a notebook to record the name of the officer you speak to and the date each time.

Finally, safety and social dynamics. In tight-knit communities, filing a complaint can draw attention. Consider your and your child’s safety. If the complaint is of a very serious nature (e.g., defilement), involve the police (OB number) first. The TSC disciplinary process runs parallel to any criminal case. Also, be aware that the teacher’s union (KNUT or KUPPET) will likely get involved once TSC acts. This is normal procedure, not a sign your complaint is failing.

What Happens After You File?

The TSC has a disciplinary procedure they must follow. It’s not instant, but it is structured.

1. Acknowledgment & Preliminary Scrutiny: TSC checks if the complaint falls under their mandate and if there’s enough initial evidence.
2. Investigation: A TSC investigating officer may be assigned to gather more information from the school, witnesses, and the accused teacher.
3. Show Cause Letter: If a case is established, the teacher is served with a “Show Cause” letter, giving them a chance to explain themselves in writing.
4. Disciplinary Committee Hearing: For serious cases, a formal hearing is held. You may be called as a witness.
5. Verdict & Sanctions: The committee decides. Sanctions range from a warning, salary stoppage, demotion, to the ultimate: deregistration (losing their teaching license).

What the TSC Cannot Do (Setting Realistic Expectations)

It’s crucial to know the limits to avoid frustration.

• No Instant Firing: The TSC cannot summarily dismiss a teacher. Due process must be followed, and the teacher has a right to be heard. This takes months.
• No Financial Compensation for You: The TSC process is about disciplining the teacher professionally, not awarding you damages. For compensation, you’d need a separate civil suit.
• No Mediation for Criminal Acts: For criminal offences like assault, the TSC will not mediate. They will advise you to report to the police and will conduct their own process independently.

Conclusion

Filing a complaint against a teacher or school through the TSC is a formal, evidence-driven process designed for serious professional misconduct. Your power lies in a well-documented case, submitted through the correct channels, and followed up persistently. While it requires effort and patience, it is the definitive mechanism to hold teaching professionals accountable and safeguard learners’ welfare.

Remember, your voice matters in upholding standards in our education system. If you have the evidence, take the step. Got a question about a specific part of the process? Drop it in the comments below, and let’s discuss.