Updated 20 October 2026
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has said its next teacher recruitment exercise will start in November 2026. TSC Chairperson Dr Jamleck Muturi announced the plan in early October during a World Teachers’ Day event at St. Mary’s Kiangima High School in Embu County. He urged qualified teachers to get their documents ready and wait for the official advertisement. This guide separates what is confirmed from what has only been reported, lists the documents to prepare now and explains how the process normally runs, so you are ready the day the advert is published.
What TSC Has Confirmed
- The recruitment exercise is expected to begin in November 2026.
- Vacancies will be advertised first. Eligible candidates then apply, attend interviews and, if successful, are appointed.
- The exercise follows the Constitution and TSC policy. Dr Muturi rejected claims that politicians issue appointment letters, saying all appointments go through the advertised process.
- The vacancies come largely from natural attrition, as teachers retire, resign or otherwise leave the service, across primary, junior and senior schools.
As of now, TSC has not published the number of posts, the application dates, the counties or the subject combinations it needs. Those details will only be official once the advert appears on TSC’s own channels.
What Has Been Reported
News reports on TSC’s 2026/27 budget plans said the Commission intends to recruit about 16,000 additional teachers on internship terms for junior and senior schools, plus about 5,000 replacement posts. Reports also said TSC plans to convert about 20,000 junior school interns hired in January 2025 to permanent and pensionable terms from January 2027. That conversion is for teachers already serving, not a new vacancy you can apply for. Treat all these numbers as plans until the advert confirms them.
Who Can Apply
Only teachers registered with TSC can be employed by the Commission. If you trained as a teacher but do not yet have a TSC number, registration should be your first step, because it is an offence to engage in teaching unless registered, and registration can take time. Beyond registration, each advert sets requirements for the level being recruited. In general, primary school posts need a primary teacher education qualification, while junior and senior school posts need a diploma or degree in education with two teaching subjects that match the curriculum. Check the exact grades and subject combinations in the advert before applying.
Documents to Prepare Now
| Document | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| TSC certificate of registration and TSC number | Proof you can be employed as a teacher |
| National ID | Identity check at application and interview |
| KCSE certificate or result slip | Minimum entry grades for teacher training |
| Professional certificates and transcripts | Proof of your teaching qualification and subjects |
| KRA PIN certificate | Needed for payroll if you are appointed |
| Certificate of good conduct | Often requested for public appointments |
| Internship or experience letters, if any | Can count where the advert scores experience |
Scan each document clearly and keep both the originals and copies together. If you still need a PIN, read how to get a KRA PIN. Good conduct certificates are applied for through eCitizen, so create an eCitizen account early if you have not already. Online portals often limit upload sizes, so our free TSC document compressor and good conduct certificate compressor can shrink files in your browser without uploading them anywhere.
How the Recruitment Usually Works
- The advert is published. TSC posts adverts on its website and recruitment portal and in national newspapers, listing the posts, counties, requirements and deadline.
- You apply online. Applications go through TSC’s online system using your TSC number. The TSC online services page states that no payment of any kind is required and that registered teachers do not need to register again.
- Shortlisting. County selection panels shortlist applicants against the advertised criteria. Past TSC selection guidelines have given weight to factors such as when an applicant qualified, so read the scoring guide published with the advert.
- Interviews and document checks. Shortlisted candidates attend interviews and present original documents.
- Appointment. Successful candidates receive offers through TSC, not through politicians or agents.
How to Avoid Recruitment Scams
Every recruitment season brings fake adverts and people promising jobs for a fee. TSC has repeatedly said it does not charge for applications or appointments. Do not pay anyone, do not send money to personal M-Pesa numbers and do not trust letters that come through middlemen. Apply only through the official TSC portal, and confirm any advert you see on social media against TSC’s own website before acting on it.
While You Wait
- Update your TSC online profile so your contact details and qualifications are current.
- Check that the names on your ID, certificates and TSC registration match. Mismatches cause delays at document checks.
- Prepare for the interview by reviewing the competency based curriculum for your subjects and level.
- Keep an eye on other teaching and education jobs on JobinKenya, since private schools also hire at the end of the year.
Once you are hired, our TSC teachers hub explains payslips, P9 forms and other services teachers use every month.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the TSC November 2026 advert be out?
TSC has said the exercise will start in November but has not given an exact date. Watch the TSC website and recruitment portal.
How many teachers will TSC hire?
No official number has been announced. Budget reports mention about 16,000 internship posts and about 5,000 replacement posts, but these are plans.
Do I pay to apply for a TSC job?
No. TSC states that no payment of any kind is required.
Can I apply without a TSC number?
No. You must be registered with TSC to be employed as a teacher, so register first.
Will interns be confirmed to permanent jobs?
Reports say TSC plans to confirm about 20,000 junior school interns from January 2027. That applies to serving interns only.
Figures on post numbers are from news reports of TSC budget plans and are not yet official.
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