As a teacher in Kenya, your focus is usually on lesson plans, classroom management, and the success of your students. However, your most important administrative task has nothing to do with the syllabus: it is ensuring your TSC Next of Kin Form (formally known as the GP 61 form) is accurate and up to date.
Below is the link to the next of kin form
Above is the link to the next of kin form
In the teaching profession, your benefits—including your pension, death gratuity, and insurance payouts—are tied directly to who you name as your beneficiaries. Without a clear and current record, the process of claiming these benefits can become a legal nightmare for your loved ones during an already difficult time.
FAQ: Securing Your Legacy with the TSC
Q: Why can’t the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) just use my birth certificate or marriage certificate to find my family? A: While legal documents prove relationships, they do not prove intent. The TSC requires a specific declaration of who you want to receive your benefits. If your Next of Kin form is outdated—perhaps naming a deceased relative or an ex-spouse—the Commission is legally bound to follow the last document you signed.
Q: What is the difference between a “Next of Kin” and a “Beneficiary”? A: In the context of the TSC, your Next of Kin is the person the Commission will contact first in case of an emergency. A Beneficiary (often listed on the same form or a separate pension nomination form) is the person who will actually receive the financial payouts. Usually, you nominate your spouse or children, but you can also include parents or siblings.
Q: What are the key details I need to fill out on the TSC Next of Kin form? A: Accuracy is everything. When you download the form, ensure you have the following ready:
-
TSC Number and ID Number: Your primary identifiers.
-
Full Names of Dependants: Use official names as they appear on their National IDs or Birth Certificates.
-
Relationship and Percentage Share: You must specify how the benefits should be split (e.g., Spouse 50%, Child A 25%, Child B 25%).
-
Contact Details: Current phone numbers and physical addresses.
Q: Does the form need to be witnessed by a lawyer? A: Not necessarily, but it must be witnessed officially. Typically, the form requires the signature and official stamp of your Area Chief and your Head of Institution (Headteacher or Principal). This adds a layer of verification that prevents fraudulent claims.
Keep Your Records Current
Life changes—people marry, children are born, and unfortunately, loved ones pass away. It is recommended that every teacher reviews their Next of Kin details at least once every three years or after any major life event. Don’t leave your family’s financial security to chance.
