The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) in Kenya has adopted a Unified Payroll Number (UPN) for all its employees, including teachers.
The move comes after a decision by the National Government to adopt an Integrated Human Resource System known as the Unified Human Resource System (UHR).
The system will be a shared platform for public service human resource-related data, including payroll information. The UPN will be a permanent unique identification number for all public servants under the UPN Allocation System.
Effective March 2023, all TSC employees have been issued a UPN number, which is indicated on their employee pay slips alongside their TSC/employment number.
This change has been communicated through Circular 140:9/2023 by the TSC Secretary/Chief Executive, CT MEM Macharia, CBS.
The adoption of the UPN is in line with the recommendations of the CARPS Report (2011), which proposed the implementation of a “Unified Human Resource and Payroll Number System (UHR and UPN) for the Public Service.”
The UPN is expected to streamline the payroll system, reduce errors and fraud, and enhance efficiency in the management of public servants’ data.
The TSC is the latest public service institution to adopt the UPN system, following in the footsteps of other government agencies that have already implemented the system.
The move towards an integrated data platform is expected to improve the management of human resources in the public sector and enhance service delivery.
TSC has called on all its employees, including teachers, to embrace the change and ensure that they use their UPN numbers in all payroll-related transactions.
The UPN will also be used in accessing other public service-related services, such as pensions and healthcare.
Overall, the adoption of the UPN is a positive move towards the digitization of human resource management in the public sector, which is expected to improve efficiency, reduce errors and fraud, and enhance service delivery.