The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has strengthened its efforts to prevent the loss and mismanagement of public funds by developing a comprehensive surcharge policy targeting delinquent employees.
The move is in line with the government’s broader campaign against financial mismanagement and corruption in public institutions.
In a circular addressed to teachers and staff issued by TSC Chief Executive Officer Dr Nancy Njeri Macharia—copied to the Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei—the Commission emphasised its commitment to supporting national objectives aimed at reducing the wastage of public resources through appropriate statutory and Policy frameworks.
As part of the Commission’s response to the national call to curb financial leakages, expedite the hearing of corruption cases, and enhance legal frameworks against economic crimes, TSC has institutionalised a robust surcharge regime.
“The key purpose is to implement a robust surcharge regime to forestall wastage, misallocation, misappropriation, fraud, and the outright theft of public resources. This is in line with section 74 of the Public Finance and Management Act, which targets employees whose actions or omissions lead to wastage and loss of public resources, contrary to articles 226 (5) 201 (d) and 232 (b) of the constitution,” said Dr Macharia.
Central to this initiative is the Policy on Management of Salary Overpayment 2020, which empowers the Commission to recover funds lost through overpayments and other forms of financial mismanagement.
This effort is anchored in Section 74 of the Public Finance Management (PFM) Act and aligns with Articles 226(5), 201(d), and 232(b) of the Kenyan Constitution.
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The Commission stated that any employee whose actions or omissions lead to the loss, wastage, or misappropriation of public resources would be personally surcharged for the amount lost.
Disciplinary measures will also be instituted against staff identified in internal and external audit reports as having contributed to the loss of public funds.
“Disciplinary measures shall be taken against the employee’s name in the internal and external audit reports as being involved in contributing to the perpetration of the loss or wasteage of public resources,” the circular added.
Further, the Commission will strengthen its partnerships with state agencies, including the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), to take necessary actions within their respective mandates.
TSC is also reviewing its internal frameworks to ensure the full implementation of these directives and will initiate sensitisation programmes targeting institutional and field-level officers. These programmes aim to promote fiscal discipline and responsible use of public resources at all operational levels.
Institutional heads and all TSC employees have been reminded of their responsibilities under Section 74(4)(a) of the PFM Act, which stresses adherence to sound financial management and professional accountability in executing public duties.
By Joseph Mambili
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