TSC Recruitment Guidelines of Teacher Interns, Junior Secondary Schools (JSS)

TSC Recruitment Guidelines of Teacher Interns, Junior Secondary Schools (JSS).

General Information

To implement the teacher intern recruitment for the upcoming financial year, the following guidelines must be adhered to:

• Application Submission and Review Process:
  After the advertisement for teacher intern positions, Sub-County Directors must conduct the selection for all available vacancies for candidates interested in joining the TSC Internship program. Once the selection process concludes, Sub-County Directors are to forward the compiled Merit Lists to TSC Headquarters through their respective County Directors.
• Application Requirements:
  Prospective candidates are required to apply online for the declared vacancies via the TSC portal (www.teachersonline.go.ke) by addressing their applications to the Secretary of the Teachers Service Commission.
• Selection Panel Obligations:
  The Selection Panel must uphold the highest levels of transparency and accountability. This adherence should be consistent with the Public Officer Ethics Act and the TSC Code of Conduct and Ethics (CoCE, 2015).
• Accessibility for Applicants with Disabilities:
  Sub-County Directors, in coordination with County Directors, are obligated to ensure that the selection venues are accessible to applicants with disabilities, supporting an inclusive application environment.

ALSO READ: TSC Announces 20,000 Internship Positions for JSS Teachers: Eligibility and How to Apply

Eligibility and Documentation Requirements

• Mandatory Registration:
  All candidates must be registered teachers, as required under Section 23(1) of the Teachers Service Commission Act, 2012. Unregistered applicants will be excluded from consideration.
• Verification of Registration:
  During the shortlisting stage, Sub-County Directors must confirm each applicant’s online registration status, ensuring that only registered, eligible teachers are shortlisted.
• Name Discrepancies:
  Candidates whose names differ across their academic and professional certificates or identification documents are required to submit an Affidavit under the Oaths and Statutory Declarations Act, Cap 15, Laws of Kenya, explaining the name variation.
• Re-Sat Examinations:
  Applicants who reattempted KCPE or KCSE (or equivalent exams) must present certified copies of all relevant certificates. These copies should be verified by the Sub-County Directors.
• Applicant Lists and Interview Panels:
  Once applicant lists are generated, TSC County Directors shall distribute them to Sub-County Directors. The Sub-County Selection Panels will then convene to arrange the interview venues, dates, and times for document verification.
• Notification for Verification:
  All candidates will be notified about their interview schedule via SMS at least seven days in advance. This will include the interview venue, date, and time.

ALSO READ: TSC Recruitment Distribution of JSS Posts in SNE Schools

Document Verification Process

The verification process, led by TSC Sub-County Directors, will occur at the Sub-County level. After document verification, a Merit List of eligible applicants will be compiled and used for current and future recruitment within the fiscal year.

Upon interview invitation, candidates must present both the original and clear photocopies of the following documents:

ALSO READ: TSC Recruitment: Distribution of 19,656 Regular Junior Secondary School (JSS) Teacher Interns

Special Considerations and Selection Criteria

• Disability Declaration:
  Candidates with disabilities must declare their status and specify the nature of the disability to facilitate suitable placement.
• Reserved Slots:
  In compliance with the law, 5% of all positions will be reserved for teachers with disabilities.
• Selection Criteria in Case of a Tie:
  When applicants are tied, selection will prioritize:
  • Length of time since graduation.
  • Academic and professional strength of presented certificates.
  Note: In cases where applicants’ aggregate grades are the same, specific subject grades will be assessed.
• Regional Preference:
  Priority will be given to applicants from the respective Sub-Counties or Counties.
• Merit-Based Selection by Score Sheets:
  The Sub-County Selection Panel will develop a merit list based on score sheets.

Subject-Specific Prioritization in Selection

Selection will be organized by subject priority as follows:

1. Science Subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics
2. Technical Subjects: Home Science, Computer Studies, Business Studies, Agriculture, Music, Drawing & Design, Art & Design, Woodwork, Electricity, Aviation Technology, Building & Construction, Metal Work, Fine Art, Power Mechanics
3. Language Subjects: English, Kiswahili, French, German, Kenya Sign Language
4. Humanities Subjects: History, Geography, Religious Studies

ALSO READ: TSC Advertises Internship Vacancies for Junior Secondary Schools: Apply

Submission of Finalized Lists

Following interviews, Sub-County Directors will rank applicants by performance. The finalized list, along with recruitment documentation for successful candidates, will be submitted to the Teachers Service Commission by the County Director.

The recruitment process for Junior Secondary Special Needs Education (SNE) teachers involves the development of school-specific merit lists by Sub-County Selection Panels. These lists (Appendix 1(c)) are organized according to subject requirements and are applied to future recruitment within the financial year, or as the Commission directs, in cases of similar vacancies in Junior SNE schools at the Sub-County or County levels.

Eligible candidates include those who previously served under the teacher internship program or were employed on a permanent and pensionable basis by the Commission, provided they exited without disciplinary issues.

Authentication of Academic and Professional Documents

Candidates must present both original documents and legible photocopies for verification. Required documents include:

Note: Provisional transcripts are not acceptable.

The selection panel verifies applicants’ compliance with TSC’s requirements and checks the authenticity of original academic and professional documents, including transcripts. Any candidate presenting falsified documents will be disqualified and deregistered from the process.

The TSC Sub-County Director certifies the photocopies to confirm their accuracy as true representations of the original documents before the interview. Following the interviews, the Sub-County Merit List, compiled from interview results, is communicated to all applicants.

Panel and Interview Oversight

The TSC County Director or representative ensures the recruitment process is fair, transparent, and adheres to established guidelines and relevant circulars. Responsibilities include:

• Ensuring Selection Panels are adequately briefed on the recruitment process.
• Overseeing the conduct of interviews as per guidelines.
• Engaging only successful applicants from the Merit List as teacher interns.

The TSC Sub-County Director oversees the engagement of successful applicants as interns and ensures that recruitment documents, meeting all requirements, are sent to the TSC County Director’s office. Verification is conducted before signing Internship Agreements and issuing Offer Letters. Documents are then submitted to TSC Headquarters within set timelines.

Selection Panel Structure for Junior Secondary Schools

The selection panel consists of three members:

The TSC Sub-County Director ensures that the panel is adequately prepared for the interviews.

Selection Criteria

The TSC Sub-County Director provides the selection panel with a list of shortlisted candidates, as received from the TSC County Director, to proceed with the interview process. This criterion ensures a streamlined, fair recruitment approach tailored to Junior Secondary Schools’ needs.

The selection panel is tasked with interviewing candidates who meet the specified qualifications. It is the responsibility of the TSC Sub-County Director to ensure that any discrepancies are identified and that both the panel and the Commission adhere to established guidelines. The Sub-County Director must also provide clear guidance to applicants, the selection panel, and the Commission.

Applicants are required to present themselves in person before the selection panel, which will assess each candidate according to the selection score guide outlined in Appendices 1(a), 1(b), or 1(c). For applicants with disabilities affecting hearing or speech, a sign language interpreter is permitted to accompany them to facilitate communication.

Minimum Qualifications for Teaching Applicants

Graduate Teachers

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Academic Qualifications: A minimum mean grade of C+ at KCSE, with C+ in each of the two teaching subjects or an equivalent of two (2) Principles and one (1) Subsidiary pass at ‘A’ Level.
• Degree Requirements:
  • A Bachelor of Education Degree with two teaching subjects, or
  • A Bachelor of Science or Arts Degree plus a Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) with two teaching subjects, or
  • A Bachelor of Science with Education/Bachelor of Arts with Education with two teaching subjects, or
  • A Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education and Extension with two teaching subjects.

Additional Eligible Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Education holders with a mean grade of C Plain and C Plain in the two teaching subjects at KCSE, who have completed a Diploma in Education, or
• Applicants with C Plain at KCSE and C Plain in their A-Level subjects who have obtained at least one Principle and two Subsidiaries for sciences, or two Principles and one Subsidiary for arts before pursuing a Bachelor of Education Degree.
• Diploma in Education holders with a mean grade of C+ (Plus) and C+ in the two teaching subjects at KCSE who have completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Education.
• Bridging/Pre-university certificates for courses completed by December 31, 2015.

Diploma Teachers

Diploma applicants must meet these requirements:

• Academic Criteria: A minimum Mean Grade of C+ at KCSE, with at least C+ in the two teaching subjects, or one (1) Principle and two (2) Subsidiaries at ‘A’ Level.
• Diploma Requirements: A Diploma in Education from a recognized Teacher Training Institution, including C+ in the two teaching subjects.

Special Considerations:

• Diploma Teachers who graduated in 2008 or earlier with a C Plain and C Plain in the two teaching subjects are eligible.
• Hearing and visually impaired teachers who enrolled for training with a C Plain and C Plain in the two teaching subjects are also eligible.

Technical Teachers

Technical teacher applicants should meet these qualifications:

• Minimum Grade: A mean grade of C+ at KCSE or an equivalent with at least C+ in the two teaching subjects, or one (1) Principle and two (2) Subsidiaries at ‘A’ Level.
• Qualification Requirements:
  • Bachelor of Education Technology (BeD TECH), or
  • Bachelor of Science (BSc) in a relevant technical subject or course, or
  • Higher Diploma in a technical course, or
  • A Diploma in a technical course.

Additional Requirements:

• Applicants holding a Bachelor of Science in technical subjects must also have a Diploma in Technical Teacher Education from Kenya Technical Trainers College (KTTC).

Note on Ineligible Subjects: Applicants with qualifications in subjects not included in the Secondary School Curriculum are not eligible, regardless of completing a PGDE or additional enhancement courses. Ineligible subjects include:

• Natural Resources
• Horticulture
• Fisheries
• Meteorology
• Farm Machinery
• Anthropology
• Forestry
• Sociology
• Biotechnology
• Animal Husbandry
• Journalism
• Theology/Divinity

Specialized Application Guidelines for Teaching Subjects

Subject Qualifications and Special Considerations

• Applicants with degrees in Economics, Commerce, or Accounting are eligible to apply for Business Studies. Similarly, those with Social Education and Ethics (SEE) can qualify for CRE or IRE.
• Diploma holders with English as a subject, along with another, are eligible for English/Literature teaching positions if they have sufficient coursework in both Language and Literature.

Required High School Subject Background

All applicants must have studied the two intended teaching subjects at KCSE, with the following exceptions:

• Agriculture, Business Studies, Home Science, and Computer Studies: Applicants who did not study these subjects in high school should meet the following criteria:
  • For Business Studies and Computer Studies: Minimum grade of C+ in Mathematics at KCSE.
  • For Agriculture and Home Science: Minimum grade of C+ in Biology at KCSE.

Course Units for Graduate Teachers

Graduate Teachers must have completed at least eight course units in each teaching subject. Additionally, they should have studied “Special Methods” for their teaching subjects and completed a minimum of three months of teaching practice.

Enhancement Certificates

Enhancement certificates and transcripts are applicable only to applicants who did not complete the required number of units during their initial degree or diploma program.

Additional Course and Experience Requirements

Third Subject Qualification

Applicants who have studied a third teaching subject must demonstrate that they have completed all units required by the chosen institution over a four-year period, including “Special Methods” and teaching practice. Evidence of covering the approved credit hours for the subject is mandatory.

Reapplication for Former Contract Teachers

Applicants previously employed under contract but terminated due to insufficient subject units can reapply if they have since obtained enhancement certificates covering the required units.

Special Needs Education Subjects

Kenya Sign Language (KSL) and Braille are recognized as teaching subjects in Special Needs Education. For instance, combinations such as Biology/KSL or Geography/Braille are eligible.

Validation of Documents by TSC County Director

The TSC County Directors have specific responsibilities to ensure accurate documentation for each applicant:

1. Verify that the Internship Agreement and Offer of Internship Letter include all required attachments per the checklist.
2. Confirm that recruited applicants meet all qualification criteria for teacher internship as specified by recruitment guidelines.
3. Ensure all required documents are properly signed, including score sheets, panel minutes, Internship Agreement, and Offer of Internship Letter.
4. Document and address any complaints received, providing recommendations or actions to the Commission.

Required Documentation for TSC Headquarters Submission

The TSC County Director is responsible for delivering the following documents to TSC Headquarters:

Required Attachments

• Internship Agreement and Offer of Internship Letter, with certified copies of:
  • National ID,
  • Certificate of Registration as a teacher,
  • Academic and professional certificates, along with transcripts,
  • KNEC’s Letter of Certification of Results (where applicable),
  • NCPWD Card (for applicants with disabilities),
  • Affidavit (if there is a variance in names),
  • Bank plate or card (front face),
  • KRA PIN Certificate.
• Two passport-sized color photographs of the successful applicant(s).
• Original Medical Examination report (Form GP 69).

Supporting Documentation

• A list of all interviewed applicants ranked by merit (Appendix II a).
• System-generated list of applicants, showing those who were absent (Appendix III b).
• List of applicants with disabilities (Appendix VI).
• Signed minutes from the Selection Panel and Sub-County Selection Panel.
• Completed and signed selection score guide.
• Pay point particulars form, duly completed.

Handling of Complaints

Complaint Submission Process

Applicants who are dissatisfied with the selection process are advised to submit a written complaint to the TSC County Director immediately. An email can also be sent to TSC Headquarters at [email protected] within seven days following the selection process.

County Director Responsibilities for Complaints

The TSC County Director must review and address all complaints within seven days of receiving them, subsequently informing the TSC Headquarters of the actions taken.

Appeals Process

If an applicant is dissatisfied with the TSC County Director’s response or if the complaint is about the Director, the applicant may appeal to the Appeals Committee on staffing functions at TSC Headquarters. The Appeals Committee is responsible for investigating the allegations and taking appropriate action within 14 days.

Important Notes for the Selection Process

• Public Access to Merit Lists: Merit lists will be available to the public upon request, in a manner that safeguards the recruitment process and adheres to the Data Protection Act, 2019.
• Guidance on Qualifications: For clarity or advice on qualification requirements, applicants should consult the TSC County Directors.
• Recruitment Authority: While the recruitment function has been decentralized per Section 20 of the TSC Act, the TSC Headquarters retains the right to conduct recruitment directly.
• Regional Coordination: The TSC Regional Directors are responsible for overseeing the teacher recruitment process within their respective regions.

Appendices for Selection Exercise

The following appendices are included for reference and use during the selection exercise:

• Appendix I:
  • Selection Score Guide for Junior Secondary School Teachers
  • Selection Score Guide for Junior Secondary School Teachers with disabilities
  • Selection Score Guide for Junior Secondary School Teachers qualified to teach in Special Needs Education (SNE) schools
  • Grading System
• Appendix II: Selection Checklists
• Appendix III:
  • III a: Merit lists for interviewed applicants
  • III b: List of all applicants, indicating those who did not attend the interview
• Appendix IV: Declaration Form I
• Appendix V: Declaration Form II
• Appendix VI: List of applicants with disabilities

Selection Score Guide for Teacher Interns – Junior Secondary Schools

Applicant Information

• Applicant’s Name:
• Qualification:
• TSC No.:

Scoring Areas

Applicants will be evaluated based on the following criteria, with scores assigned by the selection panel according to the maximum score allocated for each category.

Notes:

• The selection panel should ensure that scores are assigned based on the qualifications presented by the applicants.
• The maximum scores for each qualification should be clearly indicated, allowing for transparent and fair assessment throughout the selection process.

Notes:

• Each applicant’s qualifications and teaching subjects will be scored based on the criteria outlined in this guide.
• The total maximum score reflects the cumulative points that an applicant can achieve from all scoring areas.
• Panel members should ensure that scores are accurately recorded and justified based on the qualifications presented by the applicants.

Important Note:

• For scoring in part C, the year in which an applicant satisfactorily qualified as a teacher, in line with Commission policies, will be used to determine the length of stay since graduation. This year will be different from the year indicated on the certificate used for scoring part A of this score sheet.

This scoring guide allows for a comprehensive evaluation of each applicant, taking into account their academic qualifications, age, teaching subjects, and professional experience as a teacher. The total maximum score is 100, which reflects the overall qualifications of the applicants for the teacher intern positions.

Selection Score Guide for Teacher Interns with Disabilities – Junior Secondary Schools.

Scoring Areas

Scoring Areas Continued

Length of Stay and Grand Total

Grand Total

Important Note:

For scoring purposes, the year an applicant satisfactorily qualifies to be a teacher according to the Commission’s policies will be used to determine the length of stay since graduation. This year may differ from the year indicated on the certificate used for scoring academic qualifications.

Selection Score Guide for Teachers Qualified to Teach in SNE Junior Schools

Scoring Criteria

A. Academic and Professional Qualifications

The scoring for academic qualifications is categorized as follows:

1. Bachelors of Education (BED) Degree
   • First Class: 5 points
   • Second Class: 3 points
   • Pass: 2 points
2. Or
   • Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree + PGDE or Bachelor of Science (BSC) + PGDE
   • First Class: 5 points
   • Second Class: 3 points
   • Pass: 2 points
3. Diploma in Education or Diploma + Diploma in Technical Education
   • Distinction: 5 points
   • Credit: 3 points
   • Pass: 2 points

Maximum Score for Academic Qualifications: 20 Points

B. Age

The scoring based on age is as follows:

• 50 years and above: 25 points
• 47 – 49 years: 15 points
• 44 – 46 years: 10 points
• 43 years and below: 5 points

Maximum Score for Age: 25 Points

C. Length of Stay Since Qualifying as a Teacher

The scoring based on the length of time since qualification is detailed below:

• 2010 and before: 70 points
• 2011: 65 points
• 2012: 60 points
• 2013: 55 points
• 2014: 50 points
• 2015: 45 points
• 2016: 40 points
• 2017: 35 points
• 2018: 30 points
• 2019: 25 points
• 2020: 20 points
• 2021: 15 points
• 2022: 10 points
• 2023 and 2024: 5 points

Maximum Score for Length of Stay: 70 Points

Total Scoring

Grand Total Score: 100 Points

Note: For scoring in section C, the year an applicant officially qualified as a teacher, according to the Commission’s policies, will be used to determine the duration of their experience since graduation, rather than the year associated with their certificate in section A.

Grade Point Average (GPA) Grading System

Appendix II(a): Sub County Selection Panel Checklist

Successful applicants must submit the following documents to the TSC Sub-County Director:

1. Original and Clear Copies of:
   • National Identity Card (both sides)
   • NCPWD Card (where applicable)
   • Two passport-size color photographs
   • Certificates and testimonials (KCPE, KCSE, ‘A’ Level, Diploma, Degree, etc.)
   • Letter of Certification of results by KNEC (where applicable)
   • Official Academic Transcripts
   • Certificate of Registration as a Teacher
   • KRA PIN Certificate
   • Bank Plate/Card (front face)
   • Duly filled Pay Point Particulars Form
   • Primary and Secondary School Leaving Certificates and other testimonials
   • Original Medical Examination Report in Form GP 69
   • Acknowledgement of Receipt of Recruitment Documents

Appendix II(b): County Director Checklist

The TSC Sub-County Director is required to submit the following to the TSC County Director:

1. Minutes of the Selection Panel:
   • Duly signed minutes detailing the number of applicants shortlisted for interviews from the system-generated merit list and the selection criteria used.
2. Completed Selection Score Guide:
   • Duly signed selection score guide.
3. Sub County Merit List:
   • The sub-county merit list.
4. Certified Copies of the Following:
   • National Identity Card (both sides)
   • NCPWD Card (where applicable)
   • Two passport-size color photographs
   • Certificates (KCPE, KCSE, ‘A’ Level, Diploma, Degree, etc.)
   • Letter of Certification of Results from KNEC (where applicable)
   • Official Academic Transcripts
   • Certificate of Registration as a Teacher
   • KRA PIN Certificate
   • Bank Plate/Card (front face)
   • Duly filled Pay Point Particulars Form
   • Primary and Secondary School Leaving Certificates and other testimonials
   • Original Medical Examination Report in Form GP 69
   • Copy of Personal Accident Insurance covering personal risks during the internship period
   • Acknowledgement of Receipt of Recruitment Documents

Follow Teachers Updates on Facebook, LinkedIn, X (Twitter), WhatsApp, Telegram, and Instagram. Get in touch with our editors at [email protected].