TSC Initiates Replacement of 1,645 JSS Intern Teachers

TSC Initiates Replacement of 1,645 JSS Intern Teachers.

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has commenced the process of replacing over 1,645 Junior Secondary School (JSS) intern teachers.

These educators, who were among the 20,000 JSS teachers recruited on a one-year internship basis and deployed to schools in January, have secured permanent and pensionable positions in secondary schools.

To facilitate this transition, TSC has initiated the termination of their internship contracts. The affected teachers will receive employment and posting letters before assuming their new roles.

Their deployment to schools is expected to take place between mid-March and May 2025.

To address staffing gaps, the Commission has requested updated staffing data for JSS sections.

This data, to be submitted in an Excel template by primary school headteachers—who are also acting principals in JSS—includes enrollment figures, gender distribution for Grades 7, 8, and 9, the number of teachers, their subject combinations, and their gender.

TSC aims to balance staffing, particularly in science subjects, which have posed recruitment challenges for schools. Once the employment process for the transitioning teachers is finalized, the Commission will advertise positions to replace the departing intern teachers.

Job Openings and Permanent Recruitment

TSC has announced 5,862 vacancies for primary school teachers, 21 for junior schools, and 2,824 for secondary schools on permanent and pensionable terms.

The JSS intern teachers secured secondary school positions after TSC granted them an advantage of 50 marks for their internship experience.

Despite having worked for only two months, the 20,000 JSS intern teachers were awarded these marks in the recruitment process, with TSC emphasizing the significance of internship programs.

Successful candidates have already completed employment forms following verification meetings with their secondary school principals and vetting panels. The final verification of their documents is ongoing at TSC headquarters before official postings are issued.

Vetting and Selection Process

The vetting and document verification process, which commenced on February 17, 2025, is set to conclude by February 28, 2025.

A notable increase in JSS teachers applying for secondary school positions was observed, primarily due to dissatisfaction with working conditions in primary schools.

Many JSS teachers cited excessive workloads, limited career growth opportunities, inadequate infrastructure, and lack of motivation as their reasons for transitioning.

Recruitment panels prioritized local teachers from sub-counties before considering candidates from the county, regional, and national levels.

Unlike the previous year, when intern teachers were prohibited from applying for permanent positions, TSC permitted applications this year and granted them substantial benefits.

Required Documents for Verification

Primary School Teacher Verification Documents

Applicants for primary school teaching positions must present the following original and legible photocopies for verification:

National identification card
Certificate of Registration as a teacher
Evidence of completion of Upgrade Diploma in Primary Teacher Education or UDPTE Certificate (if applicable)
PTE Certificate
KCSE certificates or their equivalents (including certificates for retakes)
KCPE certificate or its equivalent (including certificates for retakes)
Letter of Certification of results by KNEC (if applicable)
Primary and Secondary School leaving certificates and other relevant testimonials
National Council of Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) Card (if applicable)
An affidavit explaining name discrepancies under the Oaths and Statutory Declarations Act, Cap 15 of the Laws of Kenya

Junior Secondary and Secondary School Teacher Verification Documents

For post-primary school teachers, including JSS and secondary school educators, the required documents include:

a) National identification card

b) Certificate of Registration as a teacher

c) Diploma/Degree certificate and official transcripts

d) KCSE certificates or their equivalent (including certificates for retakes)

e) KCPE certificate or its equivalent (including certificates for retakes)

f) Primary and Secondary School leaving certificates and other relevant testimonials

g) National Council of Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) Card (if applicable)

h) An affidavit explaining name discrepancies under the Oaths and Statutory Declarations Act, Cap 15 of the Laws of Kenya

i) Letter of Certification of results by KNEC (if applicable)

Special Provisions for Intern Teachers and Persons with Disabilities

Serving intern teachers are only required to present their national identity cards during the verification process.

Additionally, individuals with disabilities must indicate their disability status and provide details regarding the nature of their disability to facilitate appropriate placement.

Upon completing the verification exercise, the TSC Sub-County Director will compile a Merit List of all applicants whose documents have been validated.

TSC has assured that these Merit Lists will be accessible to the public upon request, ensuring transparency while adhering to the Data Protection Act, 2019.