TSC Circular Warning Teachers Against Misuse of Social Media Platforms

REPUBLIC OF KENYA

CIRCULAR NO: 14/2026

Our Ref: TSC/ADM/192A VOL X /1

Date: 13 AUGUST 2026

TO:

• ALL TSC REGIONAL DIRECTORS
• ALL TSC COUNTY DIRECTORS
• ALL TEACHERS

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PROHIBITION OF UNPROFESSIONAL CONDUCT ON SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS AND CYBERBULLYING

The Teachers Service Commission has observed with concern the prevalence of instances of teachers in the public service engaging in unprofessional behaviour on social media platforms, including cyberbullying, harassment, intimidation, the dissemination of offensive content, and other forms of online misconduct.

Whereas the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 guarantees freedom of expression under Article 33, such freedom cannot extend to propaganda for war, incitement to violence, hate speech, advocacy of hatred or expression that constitutes ethnic incitement, vilification or discrimination.

Further, Article 31 guarantees every person’s right to privacy while Article 53 obligates every institution to protect the best interests of the child. These constitutional rights and obligations apply equally within the digital environments.

Section 7 of the Leadership and Integrity Act and Chapter Six of the Constitution require State officers and public officers to maintain integrity, professionalism, accountability and public confidence in the discharge of their duties.

Teachers, as public officers, are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that uphold the dignity of the teaching profession whether acting physically or through digital platforms.

The Commission therefore bears a constitutional responsibility to ensure that teachers uphold the highest standards of professional conduct both within and outside the classroom, including in digital spaces.

The Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, 2018 criminalises cyber harassment, cyber stalking, publication of false information, identity theft and other forms of online abuse.

Similarly, the Data Protection Act, 2019 imposes obligations relating to the lawful processing, sharing and protection of personal data including information relating to learners and fellow teachers.

Teachers who misuse digital platforms may expose themselves and the Commission to legal liability arising from breaches of these statutory obligations.

The Commission thus formally reminds all teachers that the standards of professional conduct and ethics required of members of the teaching profession are equally applicable in the digital and social media sphere.

Accordingly, and in addition to the aforementioned constitutional and statutory provision, the attention of teachers is directed to Clauses 10, 12, and 24 of the Code of Conduct and Ethics for Teachers, 2015, which set out the expected standard of behaviour.

Teachers are consistently expected to uphold the dignity, integrity, and reputation of the teaching profession in all interactions with learners, colleagues, parents, institutions, and members of the public, whether conducted in person or through digital platforms.

Teachers are therefore encouraged to refrain from developing or disseminating content that diminishes the dignity and integrity of the teaching profession, and to avoid engaging in conduct that may constitute cyber harassment, hate speech, incitement, or any unlawful digital or related activity.

FOR THE AVOIDANCE OF DOUBT, it is hereby clarified that such conduct contravenes statutory law and the policy framework governing teacher management.

CONSEQUENTLY, any teacher found to have engaged in cyberbullying or unprofessional conduct on social media shall be subject to disciplinary measures in accordance with the Teachers Service Commission Act, the Code of Regulations for Teachers, and any other relevant legislation, including administrative or disciplinary sanctions.

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MS. E. J. MITEI, MBS
Ag. COMMISSION SECRETARY/CEO