The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has announced the replacement of Junior Secondary School (JSS) intern teachers through a structured process managed by sub-county directors using existing merit lists. This initiative aims to ensure smooth staffing in schools as part of TSC’s ongoing teacher deployment efforts.
JSS Intern Teacher Replacement Process
At least 1,645 JSS intern teachers have secured permanent and pensionable (PnP) employment in secondary schools following TSC’s latest recruitment drive. These interns were part of the 20,000 JSS interns recruited in January 2025 for a one-year internship term.
The teachers successfully transitioned to permanent positions after 5,862 replacement slots were advertised to fill vacancies left by those exiting the service through natural attrition. The appointed teachers have already received appointment letters and reported to their new schools.
Vetting and Recruitment Process
TSC conducted a vetting exercise from February 17th to 28th, 2025, which involved document verification for shortlisted applicants. The selected candidates then proceeded with:
- Filling employment forms
- Receiving posting letters
- Registering into the Social Health Authority (SHA) system via https://afyayangu.go.ke
TSC Declared Replacement Slots (Permanent & Pensionable Terms)
- Primary Schools: 5,862 posts
- Junior Secondary Schools: 21 posts
- Secondary Schools: 2,824 posts
Intern teachers were awarded 50 marks in the replacement scoresheet, regardless of their period of service.
Upcoming Teacher Recruitment Plans
For the 2025–2026 financial year, TSC has been allocated funds to recruit 18,000 JSS intern teachers. The recruitment process is expected to begin in November 2025.
Additionally, TSC received funding to recruit another 18,000 teachers on permanent and pensionable terms for both primary and post-primary institutions.
Teacher Shortage in Junior Secondary Schools
TSC is currently grappling with a serious teacher shortage, requiring 72,422 additional teachers to meet JSS staffing demands. TSC CEO Dr. Nancy Macharia stated that 149,350 teachers are needed to effectively handle Grades 7, 8, and 9. However, only 76,928 teachers (51.5%) are currently employed in JSS, including:
- 20,000 JSS intern teachers
- 39,550 JSS teachers (initially hired as interns and later confirmed)
- 8,378 P1 teachers deployed to JSS in 2023 and 2024
- 9,000 JSS teachers recruited on permanent and pensionable terms
Ongoing Teacher Retooling for CBC & CBA
Since April 2019, TSC has retooled 229,292 teachers on the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) and Competency-Based Assessment (CBA). Between May 2023 and November 2024, 60,642 JSS teachers were retooled. To further address the shortage, TSC plans to deploy 6,000 PTE teachers to JSS in April 2025.
Teacher Internship Programme
The Teacher Internship Programme is a one-year program designed to equip and enhance the competencies of teachers entering the profession. It offers mentorship, coaching, and hands-on teaching experience.
- Internship Duration: 12 months (some teachers have served for two years)
- Stipend:
- Primary school interns: Kshs. 15,000 per month
- Junior Secondary interns: Kshs. 20,000 per month
- Statutory Deductions: NHIF, Housing Levy, NSSF
- Certification: Interns receive an Internship Completion Certificate upon successful completion.
Internship Eligibility Requirements
Primary School Interns:
- Must hold a PTE or DPTE certificate
- Must be registered with TSC
Junior Secondary School Interns:
- Must have at least a Diploma in Education
- Must have KCSE grade C+ and above, with C+ in two teaching subjects
- Must be registered with TSC
Documents Required for Verification & Interviews
During the verification and interview process, applicants must provide:
- Copy of Teacher Registration Certificate (print-out from TSC online portal)
- Copy of National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) card (if applicable)
- Copy of National Identity Card (ID) or Passport
- Two (2) color passport-size photographs
- Copy of NHIF (National Health Insurance Fund) card
- Copy of KRA PIN (Kenya Revenue Authority Personal Identification Number)
TSC continues to address the teacher shortage through both permanent recruitment and internship programs to enhance the education sector’s capacity in Kenya.
