10 Dos and Don’ts for Teachers Posted to North Eastern Kenya (2025 Guide)

When the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) posts you to North Eastern Kenya, it’s natural to feel both excited and anxious. For many educators, it’s their first time working in Garissa, Mandera, Wajir, or the surrounding arid counties. This region is unique—culturally rich, deeply rooted in Islamic traditions, and known for its resilience.

But teaching in North Eastern Kenya is very different from working in Nairobi, Kisumu, or Mombasa. The customs, social rules, and even daily lifestyle here require teachers to adapt quickly if they want to thrive. Many who have lived and worked in the desert will tell you: respect and awareness are the keys to survival and success.

In this 2025 guide, we highlight the top 10 dos and don’ts for teachers posted to North Eastern Kenya—with extra insights on lifestyle, safety, and professional expectations. This guide also builds on earlier discussions about the 2025 TSC recruitment guidelines banning certain degrees and the required CBC document checklist for teachers entering service.

1. Respect Personal Boundaries

Physical contact between men and women is strictly limited. If you are a male teacher, avoid touching female colleagues, students, or locals—whether it’s a handshake, pat on the shoulder, or even touching a child’s head. The same applies for female teachers: don’t touch boys or men. In Islamic culture, such gestures are seen as inappropriate, and what might seem harmless in other regions could easily be misunderstood here.

2. Avoid Romantic Advances

One of the quickest ways to land yourself in trouble is attempting a romantic relationship with a local. Islamic tradition forbids Muslim women from marrying men outside their faith, even though Muslim men are allowed to marry women of other religions. Even if someone appears interested, don’t go down that path. The social and legal repercussions can be severe. Keeping professional boundaries intact will save you from scandal and community backlash.

3. Announce Before Visiting Homes

If you’re invited to visit a homestead (boma), never just walk in. Always inform your host in advance and wait at the gate until you’re welcomed. Why? Because seeing a woman’s uncovered hair is considered far more private than even her body. Accidentally walking in could be interpreted as a deep cultural violation and may spark hostility.

4. Be Cautious in Business Deals

Teachers often engage in side hustles, but in North Eastern, be careful. Agreements can change overnight, and misunderstandings are common. As locals say, “Woria hana rafiki”—friendship lasts only as long as the deal benefits them. Always make sure terms are clear and avoid risky transactions that could put you in financial or legal disputes.

5. Go Easy on Street Food

If you love street food, exercise caution here. Hygiene standards can be inconsistent, and waterborne diseases like cholera remain a threat. Many new teachers fall ill in their first weeks because they jump straight into local delicacies. Stick to trusted food sources until you know what’s safe. Your health will thank you.

6. Know the Rules of Discipline

Corporal punishment is tricky in North Eastern. If you must discipline a student, never exceed three light strokes, and never cane a girl. The community has a local justice system known as maslah. If you’re accused of injuring a child, fines can run into hundreds of thousands of shillings. Some teachers have lost their savings this way. Safer alternatives? Use guidance, counseling, and non-physical discipline strategies.

7. Understand the “Click” in Conversations

When a student clicks their tongue while responding, don’t take it as rudeness. In local culture, it’s simply a way of showing they understand what you’ve said. New teachers often misinterpret this and assume the student is mocking them. Knowing the difference helps avoid unnecessary tension and builds rapport.

8. Avoid Religious Arguments

Religion is deeply woven into daily life in North Eastern Kenya. However strong your Christian faith or personal beliefs are, avoid arguing about religion. The Quran is seen as the ultimate authority, and challenging it will not only damage relationships but could also put you in real danger. Respect the beliefs of the community and keep religious discussions neutral.

9. Be Wary of Gifts

Students or parents may offer you gifts. While this may seem generous, in some cases it comes with unspoken obligations. Accepting might mean you “owe” them something later, which could compromise your professional standing. If unsure, politely decline and explain your reasons. It’s better to stay neutral.

10. Dress Modestly

Female teachers especially need to adapt their dressing. Forget the skirts, trousers, or blouses you’re used to in other counties. Instead, invest in deras and kamisis, which are modest, flowing outfits commonly worn by women in the region. This isn’t just about respect—it also makes teaching smoother, as parents and the community see you as someone who respects their way of life. For male teachers, simple, conservative clothing works best.

Beyond the Rules: Lifestyle and Survival Tips

Life in North Eastern is not only about caution; it also offers rewarding experiences. Teachers who respect the community often describe their time there as transformative. The hospitality of Somali culture is unmatched—you’ll be invited to family meals, offered camel milk, and treated with warmth once trust is built.

Food lovers will enjoy endless supplies of goat and camel meat, prepared in unique styles. The desert landscape, though harsh, holds a beauty of its own, with breathtaking sunsets and resilient people who embody strength and survival. Teachers who adapt quickly often find themselves deeply connected to their students and community, leaving with lifelong memories.

Safety and Security Awareness

Security is a major concern in parts of North Eastern due to sporadic cases of banditry or terrorism threats. Teachers are encouraged to follow government advisories closely and avoid unnecessary travel after dark. Stick with colleagues, and always keep communication channels open with your head teacher and TSC officials.

The TSC has consistently emphasized that teachers deployed to hardship areas are entitled to special allowances to compensate for the challenges. This includes hardship allowance, higher housing allowance, and in some cases transport facilitation. These benefits aim to make the posting less burdensome and encourage teachers to serve willingly.

Why TSC Continues Deploying Teachers to North Eastern

Despite the challenges, TSC continues to send teachers to Garissa, Wajir, and Mandera because of acute teacher shortages. Many local youths have not pursued teacher training, creating a staffing gap. For CBC implementation to succeed, every Kenyan child—including those in remote areas—must have access to trained teachers. This commitment aligns with the broader reforms TSC has undertaken, such as the ban on non-approved degrees for recruitment and the insistence on strict document verification for CBC teachers.

Final Word

Being posted to North Eastern Kenya might seem daunting at first, but with the right mindset, it’s a chance to grow both personally and professionally. Respect the culture, embrace the people, and keep an open mind. Teachers who adapt quickly not only survive but thrive, turning a challenging posting into one of the most rewarding chapters of their career.