TSC Warns Aspiring Teachers Against Fake Job Letters as Major Salary Hike Takes Effect

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has issued a stern national warning against a rising tide of fraud targeting job-hunting teachers in Kenya. The commission says scammers are peddling fake employment letters and registration documents, duping desperate graduates and jobseekers into parting with thousands of shillings. In a public statement dated July 20, TSC Acting CEO Eveleen Mitei cautioned: “We wish to alert all aspiring teachers and members of the public about the growing threat posed by conmen purporting to sell TSC employment letters and registration papers. Please be warned that these papers are FAKE.” These counterfeit documents are being marketed with claims of guaranteed jobs, fast-tracked recruitment, or political connections within the commission. Victims are being charged between Ksh 150,000 and Ksh 200,000 for job letters that are ultimately worthless and not recognized by the TSC.

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TSC Warns Aspiring Teachers Against Fake Job Letters as Major Salary Hike Takes Effect

Political Interference at the Center of the Scam?

Multiple reports indicate that some politicians may be complicit. For instance:

In Kakamega, MP Nabii Nabwera was accused by a former aspirant of distributing up to 20 job letters for cash.
County Woman Rep Betty Njeri Maina revealed that over 220 job letters were allegedly distributed to Members of Parliament from State House.
Teachers’ unions and whistleblowers have demanded investigations into these claims.

CS Geoffrey Ruku responded to public outcry by reaffirming that President William Ruto has ordered all public sector recruitments be conducted transparently and on merit.

“No political leader has the right to sell or issue TSC letters. This practice is illegal and undermines national integrity,” said CS Ruku.

Inside the Scam: How Victims Are Targeted

Scammers often impersonate:

TSC officers
Politicians’ aides
Recruitment brokers

They target vulnerable groups such as:

Recent Bachelor of Education graduates
Teachers waiting for TSC registration
Unemployed youth in rural and urban towns

The fraudulent actors promise placement in specific counties or schools, issue fake appointment letters, and demand upfront payments. Victims are later left stranded with fake documents and no recourse.

TSC's Official Guidance to the Public

The Commission has called on the public to take the following actions:

Do not pay for TSC job placements or employment letters.
Verify all employment and registration details via the official website: https://www.tsc.go.ke
Report suspicious persons or scams directly to:
- TSC county offices
- Nearest police stations
- The National Anti-Corruption Campaign Steering Committee (NACCSC)

“Let us honour the noble teaching profession. Do not fall prey to these cartels,” the commission added.

Big Win for Teachers: Salary Increase of Up to 29.5% Starts July 2025

Alongside the fraud alert, TSC delivered good news to all educators: a revised pay structure effective July 1, 2025 following the successful signing of a Ksh 33.7 billion collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with teacher unions (KNUT, KUPPET, and KUSNET).

New Salary Bands (Monthly Pay)

Grade	New Salary Range (Ksh)
B5	28,620 – 37,100
C1	35,336 – 47,261
C2	41,420 – 57,230
C3	49,781 – 66,233
C4	58,585 – 77,120
C5	69,745 – 96,130
D1	80,984 – 99,272
D2	97,271 – 116,012
D3	109,224 – 133,347
D4	121,789 – 150,675
D5	135,321 – 167,415

The revised structure aims to:

Reduce wage disparities
Promote career progression
Provide better motivation across all cadres

TSC also announced:

Automatic 3-year promotions (no competitive interviews)
Revised allowances, including Ksh 43–80/km for baggage and relocation

What KBN Thinks: Integrity is Non-Negotiable

Kenya’s education system is one of the country’s strongest pillars—but it’s also vulnerable to exploitation when transparency fails. While the salary increment is a long-overdue step in the right direction, TSC must: