TSC Initiates Replacement of Over 1,645 Junior Secondary School Intern Teachers

TSC has started replacing over 1,645 Junior Secondary School (JSS) intern teachers who have transitioned to permanent and pensionable (PnP) positions in secondary schools. These teachers were part of the 20,000 JSS teachers recruited for one year internship and posted in January. However they have now secured permanent jobs in secondary schools.

Transition Process and Staffing Adjustments

TSC has started terminating the internships for affected teachers and issuing employment and posting letters for their new roles. Deployment of teachers to secondary schools expected to take place between mid-March to May 2025.

To ease the transition TSC has asked primary school headteachers who are also acting principals for JSS to provide the following data:

• Enrolment and gender distribution in Grades 7, 8 and 9
• Number of teachers and their subject combinations
• Gender distribution of the teachers

This will help TSC to address the staffing gaps especially in the shortage of science teachers which is a challenge in many schools.

Replacement Recruitment

Once the employment process for the transitioning teachers is completed TSC will advertise for their replacements. The recruitment will be on permanent and pensionable basis with the following vacancies:

• 5,862 posts for primary schools
• 21 posts for junior secondary schools
• 2,824 posts for secondary schools

JSS intern teachers were given priority in securing secondary school positions, they got an additional 50 marks for their internship experience in the recruitment exercise. Despite serving for only two months the Commission has emphasized the value of the internship in teacher development.

Verification and Vetting Process

Successful applicants have already undergone vetting, met their respective secondary school principals and recruitment panels for document verification. The verification exercise started on February 17 and will end on February 28, 2025. The vetting process will prioritise applicants in the following order:

1. Local teachers from the sub-county
2. Teachers from within the county
3. Teachers from the region
4. Teachers from other counties

Unlike in previous years when intern teachers were not allowed to apply for PnP positions, this year they were allowed to apply and were given a competitive advantage.

Required Documents for Verification

Applicants should present both original and legible photocopies of the following documents:

For Primary School Teachers:

1. National ID
2. Teachers Registration Certificate
3. UDPTE Certificate (if applicable)
4. PTE Certificate
5. KCSE certificates (including re-sit certificates)
6. KCPE certificates (including re-sit certificates)
7. KNEC letter of certification of results (if applicable)
8. Primary and Secondary school leaving certificates and other supporting documents
9. NCPWD Card (if applicable)
10. Affidavit sworn under the Oaths and Statutory Declarations Act, Cap 15 of the Laws of Kenya (for name discrepancies)

For Junior Secondary and Secondary School Teachers:

1. National ID
2. Teachers’ Registration Certificate
3. Diploma/Degree certificates and transcripts
4. KCSE certificates (including resit certificates)
5. KCPE certificates (including resit certificates)
6. Primary and secondary school leaving certificates and other relevant testimonials
7. NCPWD card (if applicable)
8. Affidavit for name discrepancies
9. Letter of certification of results from KNEC (if applicable)

Intern teachers transitioning to permanent roles only need to present their national ID during verification.

Placement Considerations and Data Protection

Applicants with disabilities must indicate their status and nature of disability to enable proper placement. After verification, the TSC Sub-County Director will compile a merit list of all verified applicants. This list will be public but applicants’ personal information will be protected according to Data Protection Act, 2019.

Impact of the Transition

The transition of JSS interns to secondary schools has brought out issues with working conditions in primary schools. Many JSS teachers moved to secondary schools due to:

• Heavy workloads
• Unclear career growth
• Inadequate infrastructure and facilities
• Lack of motivation and support

With the high demand for secondary school teaching positions, TSC’s decision to allow interns to transition has been welcomed. But it also highlights the need to improve JSS conditions to retain qualified teachers.

Conclusion

The recruitment and transition process is a big step in addressing school staffing needs. While replacing JSS interns ensures continuity in junior secondary education, it also raises broader questions on teacher motivation, working conditions and sustainability of the internship program. As the process unfolds, we will see how TSC balances teacher placement and quality education across levels.