TSC Statement on Teacher Absenteeism
In order to optimally utilize the teaching resource in public learning institutions and ensure delivery of quality teaching services.
Teachers Service Commission has reiterated the need for all teachers and Heads of Institution to be available in school at all times to undertake the assigned teaching and administrative duties.
This is in line with the Code of Regulations for Teachers (2015), Recognition agreements between Teachers Service Commission and Unions and Collective Bargaining Agreements.
TSC County Directors have been directed to ensure that absence from school by teachers and Heads of Institution is minimized at all costs. In particular, they are required to ensure the following apply.
A teacher who has to be away from school for any reason, including official assignment, should be granted a written permission by the Head of Institution. The absence and reasons for the same are to be recorded in the school log book.
Heads of Primary schools should also obtain a written permission from TSC Sub-County Directors while all Principals in Post Primary institutions will be granted the same by TSC County Directors.
All Heads of Institution who plan to be out of school on an official assignment requiring the use of public funds should inform County Directors of Education in writing.
Government Ministries, Agencies and Non-Governmental organizations undertaking educational programs that require teachers participation should schedule the activities for weekends and school holidays.
The Kenyan Secondary School Heads Association (KESSHA) and the Kenya Primary School Heads Association (KEPSHA) activities and conferences at all levels should be undertaken during weekends and school holidays.
All elected Sacco, Union and Societies officials should schedule their programs during weekends and school holidays.
Activities that are not part of the teaching administrative duties assigned to teachers and the school administrative staff, should NOT be carried out during the normal teaching hours.
The Log Book
Arrangements should be made for all classes to be attended to In the absence of the assigned teacher. In all cases, a make-up program for untaught classes and /or lessons should be agreed on where absence is anticipated. The make-up arrangement should also be recorded in the log book.
Heads of Institutions are to ensure that syllabi for different classes and levels of learning are effectively covered and in good time.
County and Sub-County Directors are to take action on cases of Non-compliance.
The new TSC regulations are good for purposes of order and accountability, but they may not end teacher absenteeism.
With or without prior written permission teachers will always find ways and reasons to be out of school because it is near impossible for TSC to monitor the over more than 300,000 tutors in public schools.
