The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has taken disciplinary action against more than 100 teachers accused of abusing learners, as the agency intensifies efforts to root out sexual misconduct and immoral behavior in schools.
Appearing before the Senate Education Committee in Mombasa, TSC Director of Legal, Labour and Industrial Relations Cavin Anyuor, revealed that the commission has received 111 cases since January 2024, involving allegations such as sexual intercourse with learners, flirtation, molestation, lesbianism and pornography.
“Out of the 111 cases, 69 teachers were dismissed and deregistered, meaning they can no longer teach anywhere in the world. Their teaching licenses have been permanently revoked,” Mr Anyuor said.
Another nine teachers were dismissed, meaning they cannot work under TSC, although their licenses were not revoked. Twenty-five others were suspended, with the possibility of returning to service after the suspension period.
The official noted that the 25 suspended teachers may return to TSC depending on the length and outcome of their suspension.
“There is one intern teacher… even interns are not exempt. One went overboard and was also removed from the register,” Mr Anyuor added.
He further noted that four teachers were acquitted, having their interdictions revoked, while three cases were dropped after the implicated teachers died before facing disciplinary hearings.
“In four cases, the teachers were found to be innocent and their interdictions revoked. Three cases were cancelled because, by the time we called the teachers for disciplinary proceedings, they had passed away. That is how the 111 cases have been handled,” he said.
TSC has implemented a strict code of regulations outlining severe disciplinary consequences for offences involving learner abuse.
“Such cases attract the most severe punishment under the teacher discipline framework,” said Mr Anyuor.
He said that the TSC remains committed to protecting learners and upholding professional standards in the teaching service, assuring the public of a fair but firm disciplinary process in handling cases, particularly those involving abuse of learners.
Mr Anyuor added that all 111 cases received since January 2024 were handled through a “fair legal process backed by evidence.”
“Where evidence shows a teacher has no case to answer, we let them go. Not all are guilty — at least four were cleared and walked scot-free. We attempt to be fair but remain very firm on learner abuse,” he said.
He reiterated that learners are strictly prohibited from visiting teachers’ houses and urged immediate reporting of any violations or suspicions of misconduct.
To strengthen accountability, the official noted that TSC has enacted strict regulations and administrative circulars, including Circular No. 3 of 2010, which requires incidents of learner abuse to be reported within 24 hours. The circular also criminalises the suppression or concealment of such information by teachers.
The commission has enhanced reporting channels, establishing a free hotline and a public email address that enable anonymous reporting of sexual abuse cases.
“These platforms allow swift action, and one no longer needs to physically visit a school or TSC office to lodge a complaint,” he added.
Mr Anyuor said both state and non-state actors, along with members of the public, have embraced these digital platforms, significantly improving the commission’s response time and accountability.
To further protect whistleblowers, TSC has implemented an Integrity Policy that shields individuals reporting abuse or misconduct from retaliation or other negative consequences.
“There has been an increase in the number of cases reported by members of the public and stakeholders beyond the traditional communication channels,” he said
He noted that while some reports turn out to be fabricated or driven by internal school conflicts, many others raise genuine concerns that require urgent intervention.
He also revealed that the commission receives numerous anonymous reports of child abuse in schools, with some teachers accused of sexual exploitation attempting to interfere with investigations.
He reiterated that the TSC is committed to protecting learners and will continue to refine its legal and administrative frameworks to ensure all cases are thoroughly investigated and appropriate action is taken against offenders.
