Teachers have asked the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to clarify its latest warning on social media use, arguing that disciplinary action should target misconduct online rather than teachers simply for having an active digital presence.
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) says the distinction is important because social media has increasingly become part of teachers’ professional and personal lives.
KNUT Secretary General Collins Oyuu said TSC should avoid blanket statements that could discourage teachers A group of teachers looking at or using their smartphones during a professional setting, with a school environment visible in the background from using digital platforms for legitimate purposes such as teaching, professional networking and sharing educational content.
Oyuu said the Commission should clearly identify the type of online behaviour it considers unacceptable while also recognizing the positive ways teachers use social media.
“The warning that you gave about the use of social media should be very specific on misuse and not the positive use of social media,” Oyuu said in Bomet.
He was speaking during the issuance of assistive mobility devices to teachers and students living with disabilities.
The union says teachers are increasingly using Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, X and WhatsApp to share learning materials, exchange experiences, communicate with colleagues and engage with students and the wider public.
According to KNUT, this growing digital presence makes it necessary for TSC to develop guidance that addresses harmful conduct without restricting legitimate professional engagement.
First Vice National Chairperson Malel Langat described the digital environment as a “grey area”, particularly as schools continue to receive tablets, computers and other technology intended to support learning.
Langat warned that TSC should not appear to be using the new directive to silence teachers, saying any guidelines must strike a balance between professional accountability and teachers’ constitutional rights.
He called for regulations that specifically address violations of cybercrime laws and other applicable legislation rather than broadly restricting social media activity.
TSC, however, maintains that teachers remain bound by professional standards regardless of where they interact with the public.
Acting Chief Executive Officer Evaleen Mitei said the standards of professional conduct and ethics expected from teachers also apply to their activities on social media and other digital platforms.
The Commission recently warned teachers against cyberbullying, harassment, dissemination of offensive content and other forms of unprofessional conduct online.
Mitei said teachers found engaging in such behaviour could face disciplinary action under the Teachers Service Commission Act, the Code of Regulations for Teachers and other relevant laws.
She also directed teachers to observe Clauses 10, 12 and 24 of the Code of Conduct and Ethics for Teachers, 2015.
While challenging the wording of the directive, KNUT has also urged its members to exercise caution online.
Oyuu said teachers are professionals and opinion shapers who are expected to set an example for learners and young people.
He warned that information posted online can remain accessible for years, creating a permanent digital record that could affect a teacher’s reputation or professional standing.
He urged teachers, union officials and other members of the profession to consider the consequences of what they post, share or comment on, whether they are on duty or engaging in social media in their private capacity.
The union’s position is that teachers should be held accountable for what they do online, but not penalised merely for being online.
The debate now centres on whether TSC’s social media guidelines can effectively curb cyberbullying and other forms of misconduct while allowing teachers to continue using digital platforms for education, professional engagement and responsible public participation.
