TSC Types of Leaves for Teachers in Kenya, Requirements And How To Apply

Are you a teacher in Kenya wondering about the types of leaves you are entitled to, the requirements for each, and how to apply for them? Look no further. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the various types of leaves available to teachers in Kenya, the necessary documents, and the application process. Whether planning your annual vacation, expecting a new addition to your family, or facing unforeseen circumstances, understanding your leave options is essential for a smooth and stress-free experience.

SUMMARY:  Key Takeaways From The article

1. Teachers in Kenya are entitled to various types of leaves, including annual, maternity, paternity, compassionate, study, exceptional, sick, adoption, and clearance to travel abroad.
2. Annual leave allows teachers to take a maximum of 42 days off duty with full pay. Still, it should be taken during school holidays and cannot be carried forward to the following year.
3. Maternity leave grants female teachers 90 calendar days with full pay, while paternity leave allows male teachers a maximum of 10 days off duty.
4. Compassionate leave is granted for grief, family sickness, or other compelling reasons, with a maximum of 15 days off duty.
5. Study leave is available for teachers pursuing post-graduate diplomas or degrees, subject to specific criteria.
6. Special leave permits teachers to attend relevant seminars, conferences, and meetings, with payment or unpaid leave depending on circumstances.
7. Sick leave should be applied within 48 hours for out-patient cases and within seven days for in-patient cases.
8. Adoption leave is available to female and male teachers wishing to adopt a child.
9. Teachers planning to travel abroad during their leave must obtain clearance from the TSC headquarters, preferably during school holidays, to avoid disrupting the academic calendar.

Teachers Service Commission (TSC)

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) is pivotal in managing teachers in Kenya. Established in 1967, it was born out of the need to create uniform service terms and conditions for teachers previously employed by various entities. As a teacher, you have the right to take leave when necessary, and the TSC ensures that your leave requests are processed efficiently. In this article, we'll delve into the types of leaves available, their requirements, and the step-by-step process to apply for them.

Types of Leaves for Teachers

The TSC offers several types of leaves to cater to various situations and needs:

1. Annual Leave

Every registered TCS teacher is entitled to a maximum of 42 days of annual leave. While on annual leave, teachers are guaranteed full pay. It is crucial to note that annual leave for teachers in Kenya should be taken during school holidays. Unlike some types of leaves, it cannot be carried forward. Teachers can download the application form from the TSC website or obtain it from sub-county offices to apply for annual leave. After completing the form and attaching the necessary support documents, they should submit it to their institution's head for approval before forwarding it to the Sub-County Director for final approval.

2. Maternity and paternity Leave

Maternity leave is granted to pregnant female teachers. It allows them 90 calendar days from the delivery date with full pay. It is advisable to apply for maternity leave one month before the expected date of confinement. Paternity leave, on the other hand, is for male teachers whose partners are giving birth, and they are eligible for up to 10 days off duty. Teachers must write to the appropriate authority through their institution's head to apply for these leaves, ensuring timely submission and necessary support documents.

3. TSC Compassionate Leave

Compassionate leave is granted to teachers facing situations such as bereavement or when a family member develops a life-threatening condition or injury. Teachers can take a maximum of 15 days off duty for compassionate reasons. Teachers should write to their head of institution or agent to apply, who will forward the request to the Sub-County Director for approval.

4. Study Leave

Study leave is for teachers looking to advance their education levels. To qualify, a teacher must have at least five years of teaching experience and a proven track record of performance. This leave is granted for post-graduate diploma and degree programs. The application process for study leave differs from other leaves, with teachers needing to write to the commission through their institution head one month before the enrollment date, accompanied by the admission letter.

5. Special Leave

Special leave allows teachers to attend seminars, conferences, and meetings relevant to their career development. Depending on the nature and duration of the event, teachers may receive full pay or take the holiday without pay. Applications should be made in advance through the head of the institution, and attaching relevant documents increases the chances of approval.

6/.Leave to Spouses of Diplomats

Leave to spouses of diplomats applies to teachers married to diplomats. The commission may grant a teacher unpaid time off when their spouse is assigned outside the country. Teachers must write to the commission, attaching all necessary documentation to apply. It's essential to submit the application one month before your spouse's assignment ends.

7. Sick Leave

Sick leave is for teachers who fall ill while on duty. To apply for sick leave, a teacher should submit their application to TSC within 48 hours for out-patient cases and not later than seven days for in-patient cases. Teachers should also inform the head of their institution for approval, especially in cases of severe illness.

8. Adoption Leave

This type of leave is granted to any female or male teacher who wishes to adopt a child. The specific details and requirements for adoption leave can be obtained from the TSC.

How to Apply for Leave

To make the leave application process more accessible and efficient, the TSC has migrated to an online system. Here's how you can apply for leave online:

1. Obtain the appropriate leave application form, which can be downloaded from the TSC website or collected from sub-county offices.
2. Fill out the form accurately, ensuring all required information is provided.
3. Attach the necessary support documents, such as medical certificates or admission letters (for study leave).
4. Submit the completed form to your institution's head for initial approval.
5. The head of the institution will forward the application to the Sub-County Director for final approval.
6. Once approved, you can proceed with your leave plans, knowing that your time off is sanctioned and you will receive your salary as appropriate.

READ ALSO: TSC Study Leave Form: Application Process, Policies, Study Leave Categories And Check Status 

Final Thoughts

Understanding the types of leaves available to teachers in Kenya, their requirements, and the application process is essential for a smooth and stress-free leave experience. Whether planning a vacation, expecting a new addition to your family, or facing unforeseen circumstances, the Teachers Service Commission is committed to ensuring your leave requests are processed efficiently. Following the guidelines and utilizing the online platform allows you to enjoy your well-deserved leave while maintaining your professional commitments.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

How many days of annual leave are teachers entitled to in Kenya? 

Teachers in Kenya are allowed a maximum of 42 days of annual leave each calendar year.

Can annual leave be carried forward to the next year?

 Annual leave cannot be carried forward to the subsequent year; it should be taken during the school holidays.

What is the duration of maternity leave for female teachers in Kenya? 

Female teachers in Kenya are eligible for 90 calendar days of maternity leave with full pay.

How long is paternity leave for male teachers in Kenya?

 Paternity leave for male teachers in Kenya lasts for a maximum of 10 days.

Are teachers paid during special leave in Kenya? 

Depending on the circumstances, teachers on special leave may be paid as usual or granted leave without pay.

Can study leave be granted to all teachers in Kenya? 

Study leave is typically awarded to teachers who have taught for at least five years and are pursuing post-graduate diplomas or degrees.

Is applying for clearance when travelling out of the country during leave mandatory?

 Teachers wishing to travel outside the country during their leave must obtain clearance from the TSC headquarters.

What should teachers do if they fall ill while on duty? 

Teachers who fall ill while on duty should apply for sick leave within 48 hours for out-patient cases and within seven days for in-patient cases. Notify the head of the institution as well.