The Teaching Service Commission (TSC) has begun TSC replacement interviews to fill 9,159 vacancies created by natural attrition. The process prioritises local applicants at Sub-County, County and Regional levels, and sets clear document verification and scoring rules for primary, junior and secondary teacher recruits.
Key Takeaways
- Priority to local applicants: Local teachers are given first consideration before non-local applicants.
- Vacancies and timelines: 7,065 primary, 12 junior and 2,082 secondary posts available; posting starts in April.
- Document verification: Candidates must present original and legible photocopies of specified academic and professional documents.
- Intern recognition: Intern teachers receive 50 marks on the scoresheet but local status still determines priority.
How the TSC replacement interviews will work
The TSC replacement interviews follow recruitment guidelines that instruct Sub-County selection panels to compile two separate merit lists: one for local applicants and another for non-local applicants. Local applicants are placed first; non-local applicants are considered only after all eligible local applicants have been exhausted. The Commission says this measure aims to protect unemployed native teachers and reduce immediate transfer requests after employment.
Who is eligible for the replacement posts
Eligibility is limited to teachers registered with TSC. For different levels the minimum academic requirements are:
- Primary schools: P1 certificate (or Upgrade Diploma in Primary Teacher Education where applicable).
- Junior and secondary schools: Minimum of a Diploma in Education or a Degree and relevant transcripts.
- Serving interns: Intern teachers may participate but are only required to present their identity cards at verification.
Required documents for verification
Applicants must present original documents and legible photocopies for the verification exercise. The lists below outline the main documents required.
Primary school teachers must present:
- National identification card
- Certificate of Registration as a teacher
- Evidence of completion of Upgrade Diploma in Primary Teacher Education (where applicable)
- PTE Certificate
- KCSE certificate(s) or equivalent (include certificates for any repeat attempts)
- KCPE certificate or equivalent (include certificates for any repeat attempts)
- Letter of certification of results by KNEC (where applicable)
- Primary and secondary school leaving certificates and other testimonials
- National Council of Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) Card (where applicable)
- An affidavit under the Oaths and Statutory Declarations Act to explain name variances
Post-primary (JSS and secondary) teachers must present:
- National identification card
- Certificate of Registration as a teacher
- Diploma/Degree certificate and official transcripts
- KCSE certificate(s) or equivalent (include certificates for any repeat attempts)
- KCPE certificate or equivalent (include certificates for any repeat attempts)
- Primary and secondary school leaving certificates and other testimonials
- NCPWD Card (where applicable)
- An affidavit to explain name variances
- Letter of certification of results by KNEC (where applicable)
Scoring, intern marks and placement
The Commission awards 50 marks to teachers who have served on internship terms. Despite the intern bonus, the scoresheet still applies priority in the following order: Sub-County, County, then Region for local applicants. Applicants with disabilities must indicate their disability status and the nature of the disability to guide appropriate placement.
What to expect after verification
After verification, the Sub-County Director will compile a merit list for applicants whose documents were validated. Merit lists will be made available to the public on request in a way that complies with the Data Protection Act, 2019 and does not compromise the recruitment process. Postings to schools are scheduled to start in April to address teacher shortages.
Practical advice for applicants
- Bring original documents and clean photocopies; illegible copies may disqualify you.
- If your name differs across documents, prepare an affidavit as required by law.
- Intern teachers should bring their identity card and any evidence of internship service to claim the 50-mark allowance.
- Prepare to indicate disability status early to support fair placement.
Further resources and study materials
If you are preparing for interviews or refreshing subject knowledge, useful resources include official CBC exam materials and past papers. For example, P1 and primary teachers can review sample CBC exams and teaching notes available in our free CBC exams collection. Diploma and diploma-level candidates can practise with past papers from the Diploma in Education past papers. Candidates who need to confirm elementary results or prepare documents may also consult the free KCPE exams resources for guidance on certificate formats and content.
TSC replacement interviews — final notes
The TSC replacement interviews are a targeted effort to refill classrooms quickly while giving priority to local unemployed teachers. Ensure your documents are complete, legible and genuine, and confirm your local status if you wish to benefit from the priority ordering. Proper preparation will improve your chance during verification and boost your placement prospects when postings begin.
