TSC Circular No. 6/2025: Implementation of Surcharge Policy to Curb Public Resource Wastage

TEACHERS SERVICE COMMISSION
Ref. No: TSC/ADM/192A/VOL.X.49
Date: 22nd April, 2025
CIRCULAR NO: 6/2025

To:

• All Secretariat Staff
• All Teachers

Subject: Implementation of Surcharge Policy in Teachers Service Commission

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) reaffirms its commitment to supporting the national agenda on safeguarding public resources by enforcing relevant statutory and policy frameworks.

As part of this national initiative, the Commission has issued this circular to address and prevent financial leakages, expedite corruption-related proceedings, and align internal practices with the Public Finance Management Act and the Constitution of Kenya.

1. Policy Background

The Commission has operationalized the “Management of Salary Over-payments Policy, 2020,” designed to institute a robust surcharge mechanism to deter:

• Wastage
• Misallocation
• Misappropriation
• Fraud
• Theft of public funds

This move aligns with Section 74 of the Public Finance and Management (PFM) Act, which holds public officers accountable for financial mismanagement, as well as Articles 226(5), 201, and 232(b) of the Constitution.

2. Employee Responsibility

All TSC employees — including Heads of Institutions — are reminded of their professional duty to ensure the prudent use and management of public funds. Sound financial management and strict compliance with accounting principles are paramount.

3. Surcharge Directives

Effective immediately, the Commission will implement the following measures where public funds are found to be lost, wasted, or unaccounted for:

• a) Employees found responsible will be surcharged for the value of the loss.
• b) Disciplinary action will be taken against individuals named in internal or external audit reports for their role in financial mismanagement.
• c) The Commission will collaborate with state agencies such as the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to take appropriate legal action.

4. Sensitization and Compliance

The Commission will undertake extensive sensitization programs at both field and institutional levels to promote fiscal discipline. All staff are expected to familiarize themselves with the revised frameworks and comply fully with the updated policy measures.

Nancy Njeri Macharia, CBS
Secretary/Chief Executive

Copy to:

• Felix K. Koskei, EGH
  Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service
  State House, Nairobi
• Dr. Jamleck Muturi John, EBS
  Commission Chairman
  Teachers Service Commission, Nairobi