Kenya’s Education Boost: Government Plans to Hire 56,000 Teachers and Introduces Internship Program

President William Ruto has announced that the government plans to hire 56,000 teachers to fill vacant positions. The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) will allocate Sh47 billion for this teacher recruitment. Additionally, Sh46 billion from the education budget will be used to establish a new university funding model, ensuring equal access to higher education for all Kenyan children.

Out of this allocation, Sh9 billion is earmarked for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), with the intention of hiring 2,000 tutors to enhance TVET education.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua revealed that the government aims to address the teacher shortage by hiring a total of 116,000 new teachers, with nearly 56,000 already employed this year. Efforts are underway to transition contract teachers to permanent status, although funding limitations have caused delays.

To strengthen the teaching workforce, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has opened 1,098 internship positions in Junior Schools nationwide. Interested candidates can apply online through the official TSC website before the December 15, 2023 deadline.

To qualify, applicants must be Kenyan citizens, hold a diploma in education with a minimum mean grade of C+ in two teaching subjects in KCSE, and be registered teachers with the TSC.

The internship program, spanning 12 months, provides aspiring educators with valuable teaching experience. Although it is not a paid engagement, TSC will offer a monthly stipend of Kshs. 20,000 to teacher interns in secondary schools to support them during their tenure.

Upon successful completion of the internship, TSC will award teacher interns a certificate, recognizing their dedication and acquired skills, serving as a valuable credential for their teaching careers.