The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) is filling 2,111 post-primary vacancies — 25 junior school and 2,086 secondary replacement posts — through an online, rule-driven exercise. This guide explains how TSC replacement teachers will be shortlisted, scored and deployed, and what candidates must do now to maximise their chances.
Key Takeaways
- Applications are online only via the TSC careers portal; manual submissions are not accepted.
- Registration with TSC and a recognised teaching qualification (minimum Diploma for post-primary) are mandatory.
- The selection score gives 70 of 100 marks to TSC internship experience; experience dominates ranking.
- Junior school recruits are posted to the specific school; secondary recruits can be deployed elsewhere.
How TSC Replacement Teachers Are Hired
The process for hiring TSC replacement teachers follows Circular No. 15/2026 and the 2026/2027 recruitment guidelines. Vacancies are replacements for teachers who left through retirement, resignation or other attrition, so each post is listed by county, sub-county, school and subject combination.
Who is eligible and registration requirements
Minimum requirements include Kenyan citizenship, registration under Section 23(1) of the TSC Act, 2012, and a recognised teaching qualification: a Diploma in Education for junior and secondary posts (P1 for primary). Graduate, diploma and technical teacher categories each have specific KCSE/KCE, subject-unit and practicum requirements. Applicants trained in subjects not taught in the secondary curriculum are ineligible, even with a PGDE.
If you need exam or revision resources while preparing or confirming subject eligibility, consult the KCSE revision and exam resources and the Diploma in Education past papers for professional practice preparation.
Where the vacancies are and subject matches
Junior school vacancies are few and highly local, often one slot per sub-county. Secondary vacancies cover many counties and specific subject combinations (e.g., English/Literature, Mathematics/Physics, technical subjects). Match your teaching subjects precisely to the advertised combinations; a correct subject match is essential during shortlisting.
Selection stages: step-by-step
- Stage 1 – System list generation: After the portal closes, the system produces applicant lists for County and Sub-County Directors.
- Stage 2 – Panels formed: Secondary panels typically include the BOM chair, headteacher, subject specialist, parent representative and a TSC Sub-County Director; junior panels are led by education officials.
- Stage 3 – Interview invitations: Candidates receive SMS invites at least seven days before the interview; keep your phone active.
- Stage 4 – Verification: Present original certificates and clear photocopies (ID, TSC registration, diploma/degree, transcripts, KCSE/KCPE, NCPWD where applicable).
- Stage 5 – Scoring and ranking: Panels score candidates using the official score sheet and produce merit lists.
The score sheet: where marks are won
Candidates are scored out of 100. The main components are:
- Experience (70 marks): 70 marks for continuous TSC internship in the sub-county for 12+ months; 50 marks for less than 12 months.
- Length since qualifying (20 marks): Up to 20 marks for those who qualified in 2010 or earlier, descending by year.
- Age (7 marks): Highest marks for candidates 50+ years; lower bands below that.
- Academic/professional qualification (3 marks): Small weight—first class or distinction gains top marks within this band.
Because experience carries 70% of the score, previous TSC interns in the sub-county hold a large advantage over fresh graduates.
Tie-breakers, preferences and reserved slots
When candidates tie, the circular uses length of stay since qualification, then academic certificate quality, then professional certificate quality, and finally subject grades. Two preferential policies apply: preference for applicants not previously employed by TSC and locality preference (sub-county, then county). At least 5% of slots are reserved for teachers with disabilities; such applicants must present an NCPWD card.
After interview: documents, merit lists and deployment
Merit lists from this exercise may be used for subsequent recruitment within the financial year. Successful candidates will later be asked for additional documents, including a bank plate/card, KRA PIN certificate, SHIF printout number, NSSF card, next-of-kin form, passport photos and an original medical report on Form GP 69. Complete only one Application for Employment Form to avoid disqualification.
Fraud warnings and complaints process
The recruitment exercise is free. Report any request for payment or facilitation to TSC offices or the staffing email. Presenting forged documents is an offence that leads to disqualification or deregistration. Candidates may file written complaints to the County Director (copy to the staffing office) within seven days of the selection; appeals follow the circular’s timelines.
What applicants should do now
- Confirm your TSC registration is valid and update portal details before the closing date.
- Check the advertised school and subject combination in your target sub-county and apply only to matching posts.
- Apply early via the TSC careers portal and keep a working phone number for SMS interview invitations.
- Gather originals and certified photocopies of all certificates; obtain a sworn affidavit if names differ across documents.
- Ignore anyone offering to charge fees for recruitment facilitation and report suspected fraud.
For teaching resources and lesson planning after appointment, review the secondary school schemes of work and the JSS teaching notes to prepare subject materials and classroom activities.
Bottom line: The selection and posting of TSC replacement teachers is a local, rules-based process that favours verified registration, correct subject matches and measurable TSC internship experience. Apply early, verify your documentation, and follow official channels to avoid disqualification.
