The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has opened applications for the 2025 replacement teaching posts on permanent and pensionable (PNP) terms and has given junior secondary school (JSS) intern teachers a clear advantage in the recruitment process. This update explains who is eligible, the vacancies available, the verification requirements and the application timeline for the TSC replacement jobs.
Key Takeaways
- JSS intern teachers receive 50 marks on the recruitment scoresheet for serving on internship contract.
- The TSC is recruiting 9,159 replacement teachers on PNP terms: 7,065 primary, 2,082 senior and 12 junior positions.
- Online applications run through the TSC portal and the deadline is 8 December 2025.
- Most applicants must present original documents for verification; serving interns only need to present their ID card during verification.
TSC replacement jobs: who is eligible and what advantage JSS interns get
The main group highlighted for this recruitment is unemployed teachers and serving JSS intern teachers. According to the recruitment scoresheet, JSS intern teachers are awarded 50 marks for having served on an internship contract. This makes many JSS interns competitive when applying for senior school vacancies on PNP terms.
There are about 20,000 teachers currently on JSS internship contracts for the 2025 cycle. Their internship contract runs from 1 January to 31 December 2025. The Commission has confirmed that these interns are eligible to apply for the advertised PNP replacement posts and may be considered for deployment to senior schools where vacancies exist.
Vacancies, application window and portal
TSC has advertised a total of 9,159 replacement vacancies on permanent and pensionable terms: 7,065 posts for primary, 12 for junior schools and 2,082 for senior schools. Interested candidates must apply online and complete their application before the closing date.
Application deadline: 8 December 2025. Applicants should submit their applications through the official TSC replacement portal within the given window.
Documents required for verification
Applicants invited for verification must present original and legible photocopies of the documents below. These will be checked by the recruitment panel during the verification exercise.
- National identification card
- Certificate of Registration as a teacher
- Diploma or Degree certificate and official transcripts
- KCSE certificate or equivalent (include certificates for attempts)
- KCPE certificate or equivalent (include certificates for attempts)
- Primary and secondary school leaving certificates and other relevant testimonials
- National Council of Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) Card, where applicable
- An affidavit under the Oaths and Statutory Declarations Act to explain name variances, where applicable
- Letter of certification of results by KNEC, where applicable
Note: Serving intern teachers will only be required to present their identity card during the verification process. Applicants with disabilities should state their disability status and the nature of the condition to inform placement decisions.
Selection process, merit lists and prioritisation
After verification, the TSC Sub-County Director compiles a Merit List of all applicants whose documents are verified. Merit lists will be made available to members of the public on request, in a way that respects the Data Protection Act, 2019 and does not jeopardise the recruitment process.
Recruitment panels give priority to local applicants in this order: candidates from the sub-county, then county, then region, before opening to applicants from other counties. The Commission has repeatedly emphasised that local applicants must be considered first during recruitment.
Small junior school allocation and quick facts
In this exercise TSC has also advertised 12 attrition vacancies in junior schools distributed across several counties. These small allocations are meant to fill local needs and replace teachers who exited service.
Practical tips for applicants
- Apply early and double-check all fields on the online form.
- Prepare original documents and good quality photocopies for verification.
- If you are a JSS intern, ensure your teacher registration and ID details match TSC records to benefit from the internship marks.
- Keep proof of your online application and any acknowledgement receipts.
Useful resources for teachers preparing to apply
Teachers preparing for transfer or promotion often use curriculum guides and past papers to plan their transition. For JSS teachers moving to senior roles, curriculum and exam resources can help refresh subject knowledge and classroom practice. See these free resources:
- JSS curriculum designs and teaching materials for subject alignment and lesson planning.
- KCPE exam papers to review primary-level assessment expectations for learners you may teach or supervise.
- KSCE exam papers and revision exams to refresh subject content and examination style used in senior schools.
Summary — what to do next
If you meet the basic requirements, complete and submit your online application before 8 December 2025. Gather and organise your verification documents now, understand the local-first prioritisation rule, and use available curriculum and exam resources to prepare for a successful deployment. The TSC replacement jobs offer a route to permanent and pensionable employment for qualified teachers and a chance for JSS interns to progress in their careers.
