Download TSC Bonding Form for Secretariat
Commitment to Growth:
For members of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) Secretariat, professional development often comes with a mutual commitment. When the Commission invests in your higher education or specialized training through paid study leave or sponsorships, you are required to sign a Training Bond. This legal agreement ensures that the skills you acquire are brought back to benefit the Commission for a specified period.
In 2026, the bonding policy remains a key pillar of the TSC Human Resource Manual, aligning with broader Public Service Commission (PSC) guidelines on the development of human capital.
FAQ: Understanding the Secretariat Bonding Process 2026
Q: Why is bonding necessary for Secretariat staff? A: Bonding is a standard practice in the public service to protect the government’s investment. If the TSC pays your salary while you study, or covers your tuition fees, the bond acts as a guarantee that you will return to serve the Commission rather than immediately leaving for the private sector.
Q: How long is the bonding period? A: The duration of the bond is typically determined by the length of the training:
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Training lasting 6 months to 1 year: Usually bonded for one (1) year.
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Training lasting 1 to 2 years: Usually bonded for two (2) years.
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Training lasting over 2 years: Usually bonded for three (3) years.
Q: What costs are included in the bond value? A: The “Bond Amount” is the total financial investment made by the TSC, which includes:
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Your Gross Salary paid during the study period.
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Tuition, examination, and library fees.
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Research or dissertation allowances.
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Any travel or subsistence allowances provided.
Q: Who can act as a “Surety” on the bonding form? A: A surety is someone who guarantees that you will fulfill the bond or pay the “liquidated damages” if you default.
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Requirements: Sureties must be Kenyan citizens of sound mind.
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Recommendation: Most Secretariat staff use fellow permanent employees of a similar or higher job grade, as they understand the service regulations.
Q: What happens if I want to leave the TSC before the bond expires? A: You can “redeem” the bond. This involves paying back a pro-rated amount of the total bond value. For example, if you were bonded for 3 years and leave after 1.5 years, you (or your new employer) must pay back 50% of the total costs incurred during your training.
Q: Does the bond apply if I am transferred to another government department? A: Generally, if you transfer to another Public Service entity (like a Ministry or another Commission), your bond may be transferred with you. However, you must get formal clearance from the TSC Training Committee to ensure the bond follows you to your new station.
Instructions for Filling the Bonding Form
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Block Letters: The form must be completed in BLOCK CAPITALS.
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Witnessing: The bond is a legal contract. It must be signed in the presence of a Magistrate, Commissioner for Oaths, or the TSC Legal Officer.
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No Erasures: Like most financial documents, the use of correction fluid (White-out) is forbidden. Any errors should be struck through and initialed by both the obligor and the witness.
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Submission: The completed bond form must be attached to your Study Leave Approval Letter and submitted to the Director of Human Resource Management & Development (Secretariat).
