The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has begun interviews and document verification for the TSC replacement teachers recruitment exercise that will fill 9,159 vacancies declared to replace teachers who exited service in 2025. The process begins with verification and shortlisted interviews from 26–27 January 2026, with successful candidates expected to be posted in March–April 2026 on permanent and pensionable terms.
Key Takeaways
- The recruitment targets 9,159 replacement teachers: 7,065 primary, 12 junior, and 2,082 secondary posts.
- Interviews and document verification start on 26 January 2026; specific verification sessions (e.g., 27/01/2026) are being communicated by SMS.
- Employment is on permanent and pensionable terms; P1 for primary and Diploma or Degree in Education for post-primary are required.
- Intern teachers receive 50 marks on the scoresheet and only need to present ID during verification.
- Merit lists will be compiled at sub-county level and made available on request in line with data protection rules.
Main dates and process for TSC replacement teachers
TSC has set 26 January 2026 as the start of the interview process. Candidates who applied by the 8 December 2025 deadline are being invited by SMS to attend a document verification exercise at specified venues and times. After local verification, sub-county directors will forward shortlisted names to TSC headquarters for final scrutiny before posting.
Posting to schools is expected in March and April 2026. Successful applicants will be posted anywhere in the country and should be ready for relocation if required.
Vacancies, eligibility and scoring
The replacement exercise covers:
- Primary schools: 7,065 posts — applicants must hold a P1 certificate (or equivalent) and be registered with TSC.
- Junior schools (JSS): 12 posts — minimum Diploma in Education required.
- Secondary schools: 2,082 posts — Diploma or Degree in Education and registration with TSC required.
Intern teachers who served on internship have been awarded 50 marks on the recruitment scoresheet. Locality is prioritized in the order of Sub-County, County and Region when applying the scoresheet.
Documents required for verification
Candidates must bring original documents and legible photocopies. The lists below are the minimum documents requested during verification.
Primary school teachers
- National identification card
- Certificate of Registration as a teacher (TSC Reg Cert)
- Evidence of Upgrade Diploma in Primary Teacher Education (UDPTE) where applicable
- PTE or P1 certificate
- KCSE certificate(s) or equivalent (include certificates for re-sits)
- KCPE certificate or equivalent (include certificates for re-sits)
- Letter of certification of results by KNEC (where applicable)
- Primary and secondary school leaving certificates and other testimonials
- National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) card (where applicable)
- An affidavit explaining any name variance (sworn under Cap 15)
Post-primary (JSS and Secondary) teachers
- National identification card
- Certificate of Registration as a teacher
- Diploma/Degree certificate and official transcripts
- KCSE and KCPE certificates (include re-sit certificates)
- School leaving certificates and other testimonials
- NCPWD card (where applicable)
- Affidavit for name variance (where applicable)
- Letter of certification of results by KNEC (where applicable)
Merit lists, privacy and fraud reporting
After verification, TSC Sub-County Directors will compile a merit list of verified applicants. These lists will be available to the public on request while adhering to the Data Protection Act, 2019. Candidates who did not receive invitation messages should contact their local TSC office.
TSC cautions applicants against fraud — the recruitment is free of charge. Suspected fraudulent activity should be reported to the nearest TSC office, the TSC Director of Staffing at the provided contacts, or to the police.
How applicants can prepare
- Ensure all original certificates and clear photocopies are ready and organized by category.
- Confirm TSC registration and keep the TSC Reg Cert handy.
- Intern teachers should carry a valid national ID and proof of internship service.
- Check sub-county TSC offices regularly for merit list availability and posting updates.
- Review subject-specific and professional materials such as past papers and curriculum designs to prepare for possible oral or competency assessments.
Useful resources for candidates
Applicants preparing for post-primary or diploma-level assessments can revise using past papers and curriculum guides:
- Diploma in Education past papers — useful for refresher study and assessment practice.
- Grade 10 curriculum designs — helpful for secondary-level teachers preparing subject outlines and schemes of work.
- CBC curriculum designs — useful for primary and junior school teachers aligning to competency-based syllabus requirements.
Follow the verification instructions in any SMS from TSC, arrive on time, and present all required documents in order. Clear documentation and timely follow-up with sub-county offices will improve chances during the TSC replacement teachers recruitment process.
