The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has been urged to clarify its directive on teachers’ use of social media to ensure it does not unfairly target those with a visible online presence.
Many teachers, particularly younger ones, have established a strong presence on platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and WhatsApp, using them for teaching, sharing professional experiences and entertainment.
In a circular dated August 13, 2026, the commission said it had noted a rise in cases of teachers engaging in cyberbullying, intimidation, harassment, dissemination of offensive content and other forms of online misconduct.
It said teachers, as public officers, are required to uphold the dignity and integrity of the teaching profession both in physical interactions and on digital platforms.
But the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) said the blanket wording of the directive could be interpreted as a punishment targeting teachers who actively use social media.
The union wants TSC to make it clear that disciplinary action should target misuse of social media platforms, rather than social media use itself.
Teachers have increasingly turned to digital platforms to teach and share experiences from their work. However, some have been accused of going overboard, raising questions about professional misconduct and the protection of learners’ rights.
There are also concerns over data protection and child protection, particularly where teachers post videos or images of learners dancing, learning or participating in other activities without appropriate safeguards.
KNUT Secretary-General Collins Oyuu and First Vice National Chairperson Malel Langat said TSC’s directive should specifically target teachers who breach cybercrime laws and other applicable regulations.
Mr Oyuu said the wording of the TSC circular should be reviewed to clearly distinguish between legitimate use of social media and misuse of the platforms.
“The wording used by TSC on social media should be very specific to the misuse of the various platforms by teachers in this country,” Mr Oyuu said in Bomet during the issuance of assistive mobility devices to teachers and students with disabilities.
Collins Oyuu, Secretary General of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), addresses Journalists at the Tom Mboya Labour College in Kisumu on April 2, 2027.
Photo credit: Alex Odhiambo | Nation
Mr Oyuu said teachers were trained professionals and should set an example for young people through responsible use of social media.
“Let us use social media in the right way. Let us not use it to abuse others, including fellow teachers on the various social platforms,” he said.
He warned that content posted online can leave a lasting digital footprint, making it important for teachers to exercise caution over what they post, share or say, both while on duty and in their private lives.
“Knut officials, union members and teachers in general should remember that they are professionals and opinion shapers in society, hence the need to use social media responsibly,” Mr Oyuu said.
Mr Langat described the digital space as a grey area, noting that teachers increasingly use social media and digital platforms to teach, particularly as schools receive tablets and computers under government programmes.
“TSC should not appear to gag teachers through the circular that was issued on August 13, 2026, in what has the potential to claw back the gains made through the Constitution of Kenya, 2010,” Mr Langat said.
He said the guidelines should be carefully considered to ensure they do not infringe on teachers’ rights, either in their professional or personal capacities.
TSC has warned teachers against cyberbullying, harassment, dissemination of offensive content and unprofessional conduct on social media, saying those who breach the law could face disciplinary action.
Hate speech, incitement to violence and ethnic profiling are among forms of expression that are not protected under Article 33 of the Constitution.
TSC acting Chief Executive Officer Evaleen Mitei said teachers must maintain high standards of professionalism and integrity, noting that the Teachers Code of Conduct also applies to their activities in the digital space.
The acting Chief Executive Officer of the Teachers Service Commission Evaleen Jesang Mitei.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
She said teachers and parents have a responsibility to protect children’s rights both within and outside school.
Ms Mitei directed teachers to observe Clauses 10, 12 and 24 of the Code of Conduct and Ethics for Teachers, 2015, which address professional conduct.
“The Commission formally reminds all teachers that the standards of professional conduct and ethics required of members of the teaching profession are equally applicable in the digital and social media sphere,” she said.
Ms Mitei warned that teachers found engaging in cyberbullying or unprofessional conduct on social media would face disciplinary action under the Teachers Service Commission Act, the Code of Regulations for Teachers and other relevant laws.
The directive has, however, caused concern among some teachers, who see it as an attempt to gag them from engaging in social media.
Some teachers have used the platforms to raise concerns about their working conditions and demand fair treatment from TSC.
