TSC Teacher Recruitment: High Turnout, Challenges, and Hope for Job Seekers
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) recruitment for primary and secondary school replacements is in full swing, entering its second day across the country. Education News covered the process in various counties, highlighting both successes and challenges faced by applicants.
Smooth Progress Amid Local Selection Bias
While the verification process proceeded well in many sub-counties, particularly in Nyanza, some non-local applicants faced discrimination. Community members at interview venues used local dialects to identify and exclude non-locals, creating tension during the exercise.
Overwhelming Turnout in Rift Valley
In Rift Valley, nearly 800 applicants crowded a verification center in Kericho County, all vying for fewer than 30 available positions. The overwhelming turnout led to congestion, with pregnant women, parents with infants, and persons with disabilities requesting priority assistance from Sub-County Directors. Similar scenarios played out in densely populated areas across the country.
CBC Diploma Holders Gain Competitive Edge
In the coastal and eastern regions, many primary school applicants had not upgraded their training for the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), a key vetting requirement. Those with a diploma upgrade had a significant advantage, earning more points on the score sheet.
Intern Teachers Dominate Secondary School Selection
For secondary school positions, serving interns had a clear advantage. The scoring sheet awarded them an automatic 50 marks, making it nearly impossible for other applicants to compete. In some areas, applicants left the venue upon realizing they had no realistic chance.
“Why should I waste my time competing with someone who has 50 marks on appearance alone?” lamented an applicant in Migori County.
Efficient and Transparent Verification Process
Despite these challenges, TSC officers commended the structured scoring system, which allowed applicants to self-assess before verification. This streamlined the process, reducing wait times and ensuring a fair evaluation.
Old Graduates Make a Surprising Return
In Western, North Rift, and Central Kenya, teachers who graduated as early as 2009 flooded verification centers, surprising younger applicants. Many of these older graduates had pursued alternative careers and were now turning to teaching after job losses in other sectors.
“I worked in a financial institution for 12 years until I was laid off. Now, I’m back to pursue teaching,” shared an applicant from Uasin Gishu.
Calls for More Funding and Job Opportunities
As the verification exercise nears completion, concerns grow over the limited number of available positions. The high number of long-graduated but unemployed teachers highlights the urgent need for increased funding to create more employment opportunities.
Many applicants, including those in their 50s, are still struggling to secure jobs while younger counterparts get hired. Addressing this issue requires a commitment from the government and TSC to expand recruitment efforts and ensure fair employment opportunities for all qualified teachers.
