Article 237, Section 2 of the Kenyan Constitution assigns the Teachers Service Commission several functions, including recruiting and employing registered teachers, as well as promoting and transferring teachers. For these reasons, the TSC occasionally advertises key vacancies for teachers nationwide, provided one meets all the eligibility criteria.
So, will TSC recruit teachers in 2026? Based on the most current information available, the Teachers Service Commission declared 9,159 Permanent and Pensionable replacement vacancies in its November 2025 recruitment cycle, distributed across primary, junior secondary, and senior secondary schools. In addition, the Commission advertised 24,000 JSS intern teacher positions for the 2025/2026 financial year, making this one of the most significant teacher recruitment exercises in recent years, driven by the ongoing implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
If you have been waiting for an opportunity to enjoy the TSC payslips and perks that come with the teacher recruitment exercise in Kenya, then this is the comprehensive guide for you. Read on for the latest vacancies, requirements, application steps, and everything else you need to know to successfully apply.
Major Recruitment Announcement
The TSC declared 9,159 vacancies in November 2025 to replace teachers who exited service through natural attrition across public primary, junior, and secondary schools. The breakdown of these Permanent and Pensionable (P&P) positions is as follows:
| School Level | Number of Vacancies | Terms of Service |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Schools | 7,065 | Permanent & Pensionable |
| Junior Secondary Schools | 12 | Permanent & Pensionable |
| Senior Secondary Schools | 2,082 | Permanent & Pensionable |
| TOTAL | 9,159 | Permanent & Pensionable |
Successful applicants are hired on Permanent and Pensionable terms of service and may be deployed to any public school in the country, not necessarily in their home county. Priority is given to applicants who have never been employed by the Commission.
Note
The Teachers Service Commission wishes to advise all applicants that recruitment is free of charge. Any person demanding money in connection with TSC recruitment is a fraudster and should be reported to the nearest TSC office, the Commission’s headquarters, or the police.
TSC Internship Programme 2025/2026
The Commission advertised a major internship intake of 24,000 intern teacher positions for Junior Secondary Schools in the 2025/2026 financial year. This is the largest internship exercise TSC has conducted and is directly tied to the CBC rollout across all junior secondary schools nationally.
Key internship details include:
- Positions available: 24,000 (all for Junior Secondary Schools)
- Monthly stipend for JSS interns: KSh 20,000 (subject to statutory deductions including SHIF, Housing Levy, and NSSF; take-home is approximately KSh 18,000)
- Monthly stipend for Primary interns: KSh 15,000 (subject to statutory deductions)
- Teachers with an Upgrade Diploma in Primary Teacher Education (CBC) have an added advantage in the application process
- The internship is not a remunerative engagement but a stipend-supported programme designed to facilitate participation
TSC has confirmed that intern teachers who complete their internship period and meet the merit criteria are awarded 50 bonus marks during subsequent P&P replacement recruitment interviews, giving them a significant competitive advantage.
TSC Recruitment deadline
The November 2025 recruitment cycle which advertised the 9,159 P&P replacement vacancies had a submission deadline of 8th December 2025 at 11:59 PM. Shortlisting, verification interviews, and posting are ongoing into 2026. New recruitment cycles, including promotions and fresh vacancy advertisements, are announced throughout the financial year on the TSC official website.
TSC Recruitment Requirements
To qualify for TSC recruitment in 2026, candidates must meet the following updated minimum requirements:
- You must be a Kenyan citizen with a valid National ID (birth certificate not accepted)
- You must be a registered teacher with TSC, having an active TSC number
- You must not have been dismissed from the teaching service or have any criminal offence or history
Note on age: The 45-year age cap previously applied by TSC was declared unconstitutional in 2020 by the Employment and Labour Relations Court. Since 2021, TSC acts as an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants up to 59 years and 11 months (i.e., up to the public service retirement age). Teachers above 45 who hold valid qualifications and TSC registration are fully eligible to apply.
Apart from the above general requirements, there are eligibility criteria based on the education level as follows:
- You must have a P1 Certificate in the case of primary schools, OR
- A minimum Diploma in Education in the case of Junior and Secondary Schools
- For secondary school positions, you need a minimum KCSE Grade of C+ (plus) and a C+ in at least two teaching subjects
TSC Teacher Application Process
So long as you meet all the requirements above, you can easily apply to become a TSC teacher. As per job adverts from TSC, all applicants should apply through the TSC website at www.tsc.go.ke under the ‘Careers’ section or the HRMIS login portal at www.hrmis.tsc.go.ke. Follow these steps:
- Visit the official TSC website at www.tsc.go.ke or the online services portal at www.teachersonline.tsc.go.ke
- Go to the “Careers” or “Online Application” section
- Check the current advertisements and select the position you want to apply for
- Enter your surname, National ID number, and TSC number to proceed
- Fill out the application form with your personal, academic, and professional details
- Upload scanned copies of all required documents (certificates, ID, registration certificate, etc.)
- Click “Submit” to complete the process
Note
- Do NOT submit your application in hard copy after submitting online
- Do NOT fill out more than one application form — multiple applications lead to automatic disqualification
- TSC does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process — it is completely free
Required Documents for TSC Recruitment
Shortlisted candidates are required to present the following documents originals and clear photocopies during the physical verification and interview stage. Incomplete documentation will not be accepted.
They are as follows:
- National Identity Card (both sides)
- TSC Certificate of Registration
- P1/PTE Certificate (primary applicants) or Diploma/Degree Certificate with transcripts (secondary/JSS applicants)
- KCSE Certificate (all attempts if the exam was re-sat)
- KCPE Certificate (all attempts if the exam was re-sat)
- Primary and Secondary School Leaving Certificates and other relevant testimonials
- Letter of Certification of results by KNEC (where applicable — e.g., if a certificate is lost)
- Evidence of completion of Upgrade Diploma in Primary Teacher Education (where applicable)
- National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) Card (where applicable)
- Affidavit sworn under the Oaths and Statutory Declarations Act, Cap 15 — required if names on different documents do not match
- Two recent passport-sized colour photographs
Once you are confirmed as a successful candidate, you will be required to submit the following to the Secretary of the Selection Panel:
- KRA PIN Certificate
- Bank card or plate plus a completed pay point form
- GP 69 Medical Examination Form (original)
- Certificate of Good Conduct from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI)
- HELB Clearance Certificate
- EACC Clearance Certificate
- CRB Clearance Certificate
- SHA Card or number
TSC Contact Information
For general inquiries regarding recruitment and other TSC services, you can reach the commission using the following updated contact information:
- Physical Address: TSC House, Kilimanjaro Avenue, Private Bag 00100, Nairobi
- Telephone: (020) 289 2000
- Email: info@tsc.go.ke
- Facebook: @TSC KENYA
- Online Portals: www.tsc.go.ke | www.teachersonline.tsc.go.ke | www.hrmis.tsc.go.ke
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the minimum requirements for TSC recruitment in Kenya?
To qualify, you must be a Kenyan citizen, hold at least a P1 Certificate (for primary schools) or a minimum Diploma in Education (for junior and secondary schools), and be a registered teacher with an active TSC number. You must not have been dismissed from the teaching service previously.
What is the age limit for TSC recruitment in Kenya?
The 45-year age cap was declared unconstitutional in 2020 by the Employment and Labour Relations Court. Since 2021, TSC considers applicants up to 59 years and 11 months — which is the public service retirement age. Teachers above 45 with valid qualifications are fully eligible to apply.
How many vacancies has TSC announced?
In November 2025, TSC declared 9,159 Permanent and Pensionable replacement vacancies: 7,065 for primary schools, 12 for junior secondary schools, and 2,082 for senior secondary schools. Additionally, 24,000 JSS intern teacher positions were advertised for the 2025/2026 financial year.
How do I apply for TSC teaching jobs online?
All applications must be submitted online through the TSC recruitment portal at www.teachersonline.tsc.go.ke or the HRMIS portal at www.hrmis.tsc.go.ke under the “Careers” section. Manual or hard copy submissions are not accepted and multiple applications result in automatic disqualification.
What is the TSC intern teacher monthly stipend?
JSS intern teachers receive a monthly stipend of KSh 20,000, subject to statutory deductions (SHIF, Housing Levy, and NSSF), giving a take-home of approximately KSh 18,000. Primary school interns receive a monthly stipend of KSh 15,000, also subject to statutory deductions.
