TSC Transfer and Swap Portal
The TSC transfer and swap portal is where teachers request a station transfer, browse mutual swap opportunities, and track a request from submission to an approved, letter-issued transfer. It sits inside the main TSC online system, with a separate login for teachers and for Heads of Institution and Secretariat officers who review and approve requests. This page walks through who uses it, how the process works end to end, and links to a detailed guide for each step.
Who uses the portal
The same transfer and swap system serves three different users, each with a different view and a different login:
| User | What they do | Portal |
|---|---|---|
| Teacher | Requests a transfer, browses and consents to swap opportunities, tracks status | portal.tsc.go.ke |
| Head of Institution (HOI) | Reviews requests from their institution, adds a comment, and recommends approval | tsconline.tsc.go.ke |
| Secretariat (SCD, CD, RD, HQ) | Reviews recommended requests at each level and gives final approval | tsconline.tsc.go.ke |
If you only need help getting into your account, see our dedicated guide to the TSC swap portal login, including what to do when your OTP doesn’t arrive.
How the process works
From a teacher’s side, a transfer or swap request moves through four stages:
Log in and submit a request
Fill in your reason for transfer and preferred county or sub-county. For a full walkthrough of each field, see how to apply for a TSC transfer or swap.
System matching, for swaps
For a mutual swap, the system automatically matches your subject combination and school category against other teachers, and shows you opportunities to view and consent to.
HOI review and comment
Your Head of Institution previews the request, adds a remark, and recommends it for approval.
Secretariat approval and letter
SCD, CD, RD, or HQ officers give final approval depending on the request type. Once approved, transfer letters are generated and sent automatically. See how the swap letter and approval process works for what each status means.
What you need before you apply
Your Profile and Length of Stay (LOS) are pulled automatically from your TSC record and can’t be edited, but your reason category and preferred destination need to be accurate and consistent with TSC’s criteria. See our full breakdown in TSC swap requirements before you start, and note that a downloadable application form does not exist — everything is submitted directly in the portal, which we cover in TSC swap application form: is there a PDF?
After you submit
Once submitted, your request status updates in real time — from Awaiting HOI Recommendation, through the Secretariat review chain, to Approved or Withdrawn. Approved transfers are generally only effected during school holidays, to minimize disruption to learning, unless the request is classified and processed as an emergency with supporting documentation.
FAQ: TSC Transfer and Swap Portal
What is the TSC transfer and swap portal?
It is the online module inside the TSC portal where teachers can request a station transfer, browse and consent to mutual swap opportunities, and where Heads of Institution and Secretariat officers review and approve those requests.
Is the transfer and swap portal open all year?
You can submit a request at any time, but approved transfers generally only take effect during school holidays to minimize disruption to learning, unless a request is classified and processed as an emergency.
Can I apply for both a transfer and a swap on the same portal?
Yes. Transfer requests and swap requests are both handled inside the same Transfer & Swap module once you are logged in.
Do I need a swap partner before I apply?
No. Once you submit your profile, length of stay, reason, and preferred county, the system automatically matches your subject combination and school category against other teachers looking to move, and shows you swap opportunities to review and consent to.
