Retirement and Resignation Procedures for TSC Teachers in Kenya, Causes and Benefits

Retirement and Resignation Procedures for TSC Teachers in Kenya, Causes and Benefits

In Kenya, teachers who have dedicated their careers to the education sector often find themselves at different crossroads in life, where important decisions need to be made regarding their employment status.

Whether it’s due to marriage, personal reasons, or health concerns, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has established clear guidelines for resignation and retirement benefits for teachers.

In this article, we will explore the key provisions and procedures that govern these important aspects of a teacher’s career.

Resignation for Permanent and Pensionable Teachers

Teachers on Permanent and Pensionable terms can resign from their positions after providing three months’ written notice to their respective institutions.

Alternatively, they may opt to pay one month’s basic salary in lieu of the notice period. It is essential to note that resigning under these circumstances does not entitle the teacher to any pension benefits.

Resignation Due to Marriage:

A significant moment in a teacher’s life is marriage, and for married female teachers who have served a minimum of five years on Permanent and Pensionable (P&P) terms, the option to resign on account of marriage is available.

However, it’s essential to understand the implications and entitlements associated with this decision.

Marriage Gratuity:

Upon resigning due to marriage, a teacher is entitled to a marriage gratuity, which is calculated at a rate of 1/12 of a month’s pensionable emoluments for each completed month of pensionable service.

This gratuity is subject to a maximum limit of one year’s pensionable emoluments, providing a financial cushion as one embarks on a new chapter in life.

Resignation Procedure:

For teachers on permanent and pensionable terms, resigning from service requires giving a three-month notice in writing. Alternatively, teachers can choose to pay one month’s basic salary in lieu of notice.

It’s crucial to note that resigning from service under these circumstances will not result in any pension benefits.

Male Teacher’s Refund:

Interestingly, male teachers who choose to resign or are dismissed from service are entitled to a refund from the Widows and Orphans Pension Scheme (WCPS).

To claim this refund, the teacher must initiate the process by writing to the relevant authorities.

Retirement on Medical Grounds:

In some cases, a teacher’s health may deteriorate, leading to the need for medical retirement. The retirement process due to health reasons involves several steps.

Procedure:

1. The Commission initiates the retirement process by writing to the Director of Medical Services (DMS) to convene a medical board.
2. The Medical Board assesses the teacher’s medical condition thoroughly and provides recommendations to the DMS.
3. The DMS advises the Commission based on the Medical Board’s findings.
4. Subsequently, the Commission proceeds to retire the teacher on medical grounds, ensuring that the teacher’s health and well-being are adequately addressed.

Voluntary Retirement

Teachers can voluntarily retire at the age of 50, provided they have completed ten years of continuous service on Permanent and Pensionable (P&P) terms

For more information about voluntary retirement, refer to our previous article: Voluntary, Compulsory Retirement Age For TSC Teachers

Retirement for Public Interest Reasons:

Teachers may be retired from their positions when specific conditions suggest that such a retirement is in the public interest.

These conditions may include a teacher’s performance, relevance to the teaching service, or involvement in public assignments that necessitate their retirement.

Criteria for Retirement: The criteria for retiring a teacher under these circumstances may vary, but generally consider the following factors:

1. Usefulness to the Teaching Service: The teacher’s contribution, performance, and continued relevance to the teaching service are assessed. If their usefulness has significantly diminished or their presence no longer aligns with the educational system’s goals, retirement may be considered.
2. Public Assignments: Teachers engaged in public assignments outside regular teaching responsibilities may be retired when their role in these assignments is completed or no longer required.
3. Overall Public Interest: The broader public interest ultimately influences the decision to retire a teacher. This can encompass various factors that impact the educational system and the welfare of students and the public.

Retirement Benefits

Teachers who retire under these circumstances are entitled to specific retirement benefits, which typically include:

1. Lump Sum Payment: Upon retirement, teachers receive a lump sum payment as part of their retirement package. This serves as a one-time financial benefit to support their transition into retirement.
2. Monthly Pension: In addition to the lump sum payment, retired teachers are eligible for a monthly pension. This provides a regular source of income to support their livelihood during retirement.

Conclusion:

In Kenya, teachers are provided with clear guidelines and procedures when it comes to resigning or retiring from service.

Whether it’s a decision driven by marriage or health concerns, understanding the entitlements and steps involved is crucial for making informed choices about the next phase of one’s life.

The Teachers Service Commission is dedicated to supporting teachers through these transitions, ensuring their well-being and financial security as they embark on new journeys beyond the classroom.

Retirement and Resignation Procedures for TSC Teachers in Kenya, Causes and Benefits