TSC Urged to Reassess Teacher Recruitment Criteria Beyond KCSE Scores
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) is facing renewed calls to revise its teacher recruitment policies by placing greater emphasis on academic advancement rather than solely relying on Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) scores.
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) argues that the current policy unfairly disadvantages candidates who may not have performed well in secondary school but have since achieved higher qualifications.
KNUT Secretary General Collins Oyuu expressed concern that the requirement for diploma teachers to have at least a C (plain) grade in KCSE fails to recognize the educational progress many individuals have made after completing secondary education.
He noted that several professionals in the education sector, including professors and university lecturers, did not initially achieve high KCSE scores but later earned impressive academic credentials.
Oyuu argued that it is unjust for the TSC to exclude these individuals from teaching positions in junior secondary schools based solely on their initial grades.
Many educators have demonstrated dedication by obtaining degrees and postgraduate qualifications, often while working full-time, and he urged the Commission to prioritize a candidate’s highest level of education.
According to Oyuu, such dedication and progress should be acknowledged and rewarded during the hiring process.
He illustrated his point with the example of a student who began with a low KCSE score but advanced through colleges in Kenya and abroad to ultimately become a professor, arguing that early academic performance should not be the sole measure of a teacher’s potential or capability.
Oyuu also highlighted that KCSE results may not accurately reflect a student’s abilities, as various factors, such as socioeconomic conditions or the school environment, could have influenced their performance.
He suggested that some students might have performed better if they had attended more prestigious schools or had access to better resources.
Given the ongoing shortage of teachers, Oyuu emphasized the need for a more inclusive recruitment strategy. He pointed out that many teachers are managing classrooms with over 100 students, far exceeding the recommended teacher-student ratio of 1:45, which negatively impacts the quality of education.
In light of the shared goal of educating students, the union also called for collaboration between Junior Secondary School (JSS) and primary school teachers to eliminate disparities in staffing.
KNUT has now urged both the TSC and the government to reassess hiring practices and adopt a more progressive approach to teacher employment.
TEACHERS SERVICE COMMISSION
REPLACEMENT OF TEACHERS WHO EXITED SERVICE IN PUBLIC PRIMARY, JUNIOR AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS – MAY, 2025
The Teachers Service Commission is declaring 2,014 vacancies to replace teachers who exited service through natural attrition i.e. 1,309 posts for primary schools, 32 posts for junior schools and 673 posts for secondary schools. The teachers recruited will serve on Permanent and Pensionable terms of service.
Eligibility
To qualify for recruitment, a candidate should meet the following minimum requirements:
i) Be a Kenyan citizen;
ii) Must be a holder of:
• a P1 certificate in the case of primary schools OR
• Atleast a diploma in education in the case of junior and secondary schools with a minimum Grade of C+ (plus) and C+ (plus) in two teaching Subjects in KCSE or its equivalent;
iii) Must be a registered teacher with Teachers Service Commission.
Mode of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their applications online through the Teachers Service Commission’s website, www.tsc.go.ke under ‘Careers’ or teachersonline.tsc.go.ke not later than Monday, 19th May 2025 Midnight.
ii) Shortlisted candidates will be required to present original academic and professional certificates.
iii) Successful candidates must not fill more than one Application for Employment Form. Filling of two or more Application for Employment Forms will lead to disqualification.
iv) Manual applications will not be considered.
v) Applicants who have not previously been employed by the Teachers Service Commission will be given preference.
The Teachers Service Commission is an equal opportunity employer as per the constitutional provisions and law and persons with disabilities (PWDs) are encouraged to apply.
The recruitment exercise is free of charge. The Teachers Service Commission forewarns applicants against fraudsters who might extort money from unsuspecting persons purporting to assist in recruitment.
REPORTING OF FRAUD
Any fraudulent activity should be reported to the nearest TSC office or Teachers Service Commission headquarters through the following telephone lines: Director Staffing (0202892193) and Deputy Director- Staffing (0202892131) or write to the Commission through the email address dirstaffing@tsc.go.ke.
In addition, any such fraudulent activity should be reported to the nearest police station.
Details on available vacancies per county/school is in the Teachers Service Commission’s website: www.tsc.go.ke
TEACHERS SERVICE COMMISSION
TEACHERS SERVICE COMMISSION
REPLACEMENT OF TEACHERS WHO EXITED SERVICE IN PUBLIC PRIMARY, JUNIOR AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS – MAY, 2025
TSC Latest Advert- TSC advertised vacancies in May 2025
The Teachers Service Commission is declaring 2,014 vacancies to replace teachers who exited service through natural attrition i.e. 1,309 posts for primary schools, 32 posts for junior schools and 673 posts for secondary schools. The teachers recruited will serve on Permanent and Pensionable terms of service.
Eligibility
To qualify for recruitment, a candidate should meet the following minimum requirements:
i) Be a Kenyan citizen;
ii) Must be a holder of:
• a P1 certificate in the case of primary schools OR
• Atleast a diploma in education in the case of junior and secondary schools with a minimum Grade of C+ (plus) and C+ (plus) in two teaching Subjects in KCSE or its equivalent;
iii) Must be a registered teacher with Teachers Service Commission.
Mode of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their applications online through the Teachers Service Commission’s website, www.tsc.go.ke under ‘Careers’ or teachersonline.tsc.go.ke not later than Monday, 19th May 2025 Midnight.
Details on available vacancies per county/or schools is in the Teachers Service Commission’s website: www.tsc.go.ke
General Information Please note that:
i) The Teachers Service Commission Recruitment Guidelines 2024/2025 Financial Year (Circular No. 19/2024 and No.20/2024) shall apply.
ii) Shortlisted candidates will be required to present original academic and professional certificates.
iii) Successful candidates must not fill more than one Application for Employment Form. Filling of two or more Application for Employment Forms will lead to disqualification.
iv) Manual applications will not be considered.
v) Applicants who have not previously been employed by the Teachers Service Commission will be given preference.
The Teachers Service Commission is an equal opportunity employer as per the constitutional provisions and law and persons with disabilities (PWDs) are encouraged to apply.
CAUTION:
The recruitment exercise is free of charge. The Teachers Service Commission forewarns applicants against fraudsters who might extort money from unsuspecting persons purporting to assist in recruitment.
REPORTING OF FRAUD
Any fraudulent activity should be reported to the nearest TSC office or Teachers Service Commission headquarters through the following telephone lines: Director Staffing (0202892193) and Deputy Director- Staffing (0202892131) or write to the Commission through the email address dirstaffing@tsc.go.ke.
In addition, any such fraudulent activity should be reported to the nearest police station.
Details on available vacancies per county/school is in the Teachers Service Commission’s website: www.tsc.go.ke
TSC News: Good news for Teachers as TSC introduces new Job Groups
Latest TSC news. Get all the latest TSC news on recruitment, transfers, leave processing, promotions and salaries here
TSC News: The Teachers Service Commission, TSC, has introduced new job groups in a bid to address stagnation of teachers in same job grades. According to the latest news from the Commission, teachers who may not wish to rise up to administrative grades will have a chance to be promoted. This is after the Commission decided not to peg promotions on the number of available administrative positions. The administrative include Principals, Deputy Principals, Senior Masters, Head Teachers, Deputy Headteachers and Senior Masters.
The introduction of the Career Progression Guidelines (CPG) in 2018 has seen stagnation of teachers as it pegged promotions on available positions.
“We extend our apologies to teachers and the nation for the negative outcomes resulting from the implementation of the Career Progression Guidelines. While introduced with reformative intentions, the CPG framework has inadvertently led to the stagnation of thousands of teachers.” Says a memo from the Teachers’ employer.
The Commission now says the CPG will be reviewed to allow automatic promotions of teachers.
“We have committed to reviewing the guidelines. Specifically, we are eliminating Job Groups C5 and D2 and merging them with adjacent grades. This restructuring will streamline the promotion process and ensure a more equitable career progression system.” The Commission adds.
Introduction of New Job Groups.
Apart from reviewing the CPG, the Commission has also introduced job groups for teachers who do not wish to take up the administrative positions.
“We have introduced new job groups — T1, T2, and T3 — to create a clear path for teachers who do not hold administrative positions but qualify for promotions beyond Job Group C4.
This initiative allows classroom teachers to rise through the professional ranks without being limited to scarce administrative roles. We no longer wish to peg higher job groups exclusively to administrative duties. This change opens up opportunities in the upper cadres for all deserving teachers based on merit and experience.” TSC has announced.
Promotions of teachers has been a thorny issue with the Commission coming under scrutiny over perceived corruption and irregularities. TSC has indeed acknowledged the assertions.
TSC News: Good news for Teachers as TSC introduces new Job Groups
Latest TSC news. Get all the latest TSC news on recruitment, transfers, leave processing, promotions and salaries here
TSC News: The Teachers Service Commission, TSC, has introduced new job groups in a bid to address stagnation of teachers in same job grades. According to the latest news from the Commission, teachers who may not wish to rise up to administrative grades will have a chance to be promoted. This is after the Commission decided not to peg promotions on the number of available administrative positions. The administrative include Principals, Deputy Principals, Senior Masters, Head Teachers, Deputy Headteachers and Senior Masters.
The introduction of the Career Progression Guidelines (CPG) in 2018 has seen stagnation of teachers as it pegged promotions on available positions.
“We extend our apologies to teachers and the nation for the negative outcomes resulting from the implementation of the Career Progression Guidelines. While introduced with reformative intentions, the CPG framework has inadvertently led to the stagnation of thousands of teachers.” Says a memo from the Teachers’ employer.
The Commission now says the CPG will be reviewed to allow automatic promotions of teachers.
“We have committed to reviewing the guidelines. Specifically, we are eliminating Job Groups C5 and D2 and merging them with adjacent grades. This restructuring will streamline the promotion process and ensure a more equitable career progression system.” The Commission adds.
Introduction of New Job Groups.
Apart from reviewing the CPG, the Commission has also introduced job groups for teachers who do not wish to take up the administrative positions.
“We have introduced new job groups — T1, T2, and T3 — to create a clear path for teachers who do not hold administrative positions but qualify for promotions beyond Job Group C4.
This initiative allows classroom teachers to rise through the professional ranks without being limited to scarce administrative roles. We no longer wish to peg higher job groups exclusively to administrative duties. This change opens up opportunities in the upper cadres for all deserving teachers based on merit and experience.” TSC has announced.
Promotions of teachers has been a thorny issue with the Commission coming under scrutiny over perceived corruption and irregularities. TSC has indeed acknowledged the assertions.
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