You’ve just graduated from a college like Kenyatta University or a Teachers Training College, your certificate is framed, and you’re ready for your first posting. But before you can step into that classroom, there’s one crucial gatekeeper: the Teachers Service Commission (TSC). Without that TSC number, you’re not officially a teacher in Kenya.
This guide breaks down the entire process of how to register with the Teachers Service Commission as a new teacher. We’ll cover the exact documents you need, the costs involved, and the online portal steps so you can get your registration done fast and start applying for jobs.
What is TSC Registration and Why You Need It
Think of your TSC registration as your official teaching license. The Teachers Service Commission is the body that manages all public school teachers in Kenya. Your TSC number is your professional ID. No school, public or even many private ones, will hire you without it.
It proves you are qualified, vetted, and recognized by the government. It’s also your ticket to things like salary processing, promotions, and pension benefits. Simply put, if you want a teaching career in Kenya, this is your non-negotiable first step.
Who is Eligible for New Teacher Registration?
Not every graduate can register. TSC has clear requirements. You must have completed a teaching course recognized by the Commission. This includes:
- Diploma in Education (Primary or Secondary Option)
- Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree
- Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE)
Your training institution must also be accredited. If you studied at a place like Mt. Kenya University or Egerton University, you’re good. Always check the TSC website for the list of recognized institutions if you’re unsure.
Step-by-Step: The TSC Online Registration Process
Gone are the days of long queues at the TSC headquarters along Upper Hill’s Dennis Pritt Road. Everything starts online now. Here’s your action plan.
Step 1: Create an Account on the TSC Portal
First, visit the TSC online portal (tsconline.tsc.go.ke). Click on “Teacher Registration” for new applicants. You’ll need a valid personal email address and phone number to create an account. Use an email you check regularly, as all communication will go there.
Pro Tip: Use your Safaricom line for the phone number. The SMS confirmations and any mobile money payments (like for the registration fee) will be smoother.
Step 2: Fill the Application Form (Form C)
Once logged in, you’ll fill Form C. This is detailed. You’ll enter your bio data, academic history from KCSE onwards, and professional qualifications. Be extremely accurate.
Double-check your ID number, names (as they appear on your national ID), and index numbers. Any mismatch with your certificates will cause a rejection. Take your time with this section—don’t rush it during a slow 3G connection.
Step 3: Upload Required Scanned Documents
You’ll need clear, coloured scans of these documents in PDF or JPEG format. The system will prompt you to upload each one:
- National ID (front and back)
- KCSE Certificate or Result Slip
- Academic & Professional Certificates (Diploma/Degree)
- KRA PIN Certificate
- Passport-size photo (white or light blue background)
Ensure each scan is legible and the file size is within the limit. A blurry scan of your degree from say, Moi University, will just delay you.
Documents You Must Have Ready
Before you even touch the computer, gather these physical documents. This saves you from scrambling later. You need the originals and clean copies.
- Original National ID & Copy: Must be current. If it’s about to expire, renew it first at your local chief’s office or Huduma Centre.
- KCSE Certificate/Result Slip: The official one from KNEC.
- Academic & Professional Certificates: Your diploma or degree certificate. Your transcript is also useful.
- KRA PIN Certificate: Download it from the iTax portal. It’s free.
- Passport Photo: Recent, professional-looking. The kind you’d take for a visa, not a casual selfie.
The Kenyan-Specific Breakdown: Costs, Timelines & Local Tips
Let’s talk about the real Kenyan factors: money, time, and how to navigate the system smartly. This is the info you won’t always find on the official site.
Registration Fees in Kenyan Shillings
The total TSC registration fee is KSh 1,055. Don’t let anyone tell you it’s more. This breaks down as:
- KSh 1,000 for the registration
- KSh 55 for the online application processing
You pay this via MPESA after submitting your online application. The system will generate a paybill number and account number for you. Keep the confirmation message safe. Warning: Never pay any agent or middleman claiming to “expedite” your registration. The process is straightforward; do it yourself and save your money.
Realistic Timelines & The “Waiting Game”
After submission and payment, TSC says it takes 30-90 days to process. In reality, during peak periods (just after graduation seasons in December or May), it can take longer. Use your application reference number to check status on the portal.
If there’s an issue, like a missing document, they will notify you via SMS/email. That’s why using a reliable Safaricom line is a local hack. During the long rains season, internet can be slow, so do your uploads early in the day when connectivity is better.
Collecting Your TSC Certificate
Once approved, you’ll get an SMS. Your TSC certificate is not posted. You must collect it in person from the TSC County Director’s office in the county where you applied. If you applied from Nairobi, you’ll go to the TSC office at Upper Hill.
Bring your original ID and the copy of the payment receipt. They will give you a soft copy of the certificate first, and the hard copy may follow later. Immediately, register for a Teacher Professional Development (TPD) module—it’s now mandatory for your teaching license to remain valid.
Common Mistakes to Avoid (Save Yourself the Headache)
Many applications get stuck for simple, avoidable errors. Here are the big ones:
- Name Mismatches: Your ID, KCSE, and degree certificates must have the exact same names. If you use a middle name on one and not another, get an affidavit from a lawyer to reconcile the difference.
- Blurry Uploads: Use a scanning app on your phone (like CamScanner) in good light. Don’t just take a photo of the certificate on your bed.
- Wrong Payment: Only pay using the details generated on YOUR portal account. Don’t reuse a paybill from a friend’s application.
- Ignoring Emails/SMS: Check your spam folder. TSC communication can land there.
What to Do After You Get Your TSC Number
Congratulations! You’re now a registered teacher. But the work isn’t over. Your TSC number is your key to the next steps.
First, update your CV and all job application profiles with your new TSC number. Then, actively apply for vacancies advertised on the TSC website or through school boards. Also, immediately begin your Teacher Professional Development (TPD) program. You need to complete modules regularly to maintain your registration.
Finally, consider joining the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) or KUPPET for professional representation. It’s a personal choice, but it’s part of the teaching ecosystem here.
Conclusion
Registering with the Teachers Service Commission is your formal entry into the teaching profession in Kenya. The process is now largely online, requiring careful attention to your documents and details. Remember the key steps: create your portal account, accurately fill Form C, upload clear scans, and pay the KSh 1,055 fee via the provided MPESA details.
Avoid common pitfalls like name mismatches and be patient during the processing period. Once that SMS arrives with your TSC number, a world of opportunities in schools across the country, from a primary school in Kibera to a national school in Nakuru, opens up. Your journey starts with this registration.
Got your TSC number already? Share your experience or any extra tips in the comments below to help other new teachers navigating the process!
