The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has opened applications for TSC replacement vacancies including 2,086 secondary posts and 25 junior school posts. For thousands of junior school interns employed on fixed-term internship, this exercise offers a fast track to permanent and pensionable (P&P) terms — provided they meet the eligibility and documentation requirements.
Key Takeaways
- 2,086 secondary and 25 junior replacement posts are advertised as part of 7,720 total vacancies.
- Experience on internship carries the biggest weight in selection: 70 of 100 marks are allocated to experience.
- Interns with continuous service get a large scoring advantage; paperwork and subject-unit eligibility remain decisive.
- Apply online only through the TSC portal before the deadline and prepare original certificates for verification.
TSC replacement vacancies: what to know
The advert covers 7,720 replacement posts: 5,609 primary, 25 junior and 2,086 secondary. Replacement posts are P&P positions created by exits (retirement, resignation or other). Applications must be submitted online through the TSC careers portal before the specified closing date.
Why junior school interns are competing for secondary school jobs
Many junior school interns hold qualifications suitable for secondary teaching. With a large cohort of interns hired recently, many will apply for the secondary slots because they are more numerous than the few junior posts and can be posted anywhere in the country.
How the selection score favours interns
The TSC selection score is out of 100 and is weighted as follows:
- Experience: 70 marks (12 months continuous internship in the sub-county = 70, less than 12 months = 50)
- Length of stay since qualifying: up to 20 marks (earlier qualification earns higher marks)
- Age: up to 7 marks
- Academic/professional qualification: up to 3 marks
Because experience alone is worth 70 marks, interns with any continuous service score far higher than candidates with no internship. A candidate without internship can score at most 30 marks across the other components.
What the arithmetic means for applicants
An intern with under 12 months’ service typically starts with 50 marks for experience, then adds age, length-of-stay and qualification marks to reach a competitive total. Veteran applicants or fresh graduates without internship are constrained by the 30-mark ceiling and therefore will find it harder to outscore interns unless they have 12+ months’ continuous internship in the sub-county.
Eligibility and paperwork — do not be disqualified
Basic requirements include Kenyan citizenship, valid TSC registration and at least a Diploma in Education for junior and secondary posts where applicable. Graduate teachers must meet minimum KCSE and subject-unit requirements, including at least eight course units in each teaching subject, teaching methods, and a minimum teaching practice period.
Applicants trained in subjects not on the current secondary curriculum (for example: certain specialist degrees) may be ineligible even if they hold a PGDE. For junior school applicants, compatibility with the Competency-Based Education (CBE) learning areas helps — see resources on integrated and new learning areas in junior schools such as JSS teaching notes.
Shortlisted candidates must present originals and clear photocopies of ID, teacher registration, degree/diploma certificates with official transcripts, and KCSE/KCPE certificates (including all attempts). Provisional transcripts will not be accepted. Name inconsistencies require an affidavit. Fraudulent documents will lead to disqualification and possible deregistration.
How the selection process will unfold
After the portal closes, the system will generate an applicant list for county and sub-county selection panels. Secondary school panels (for schools with a Board of Management) include the BOM chairperson, headteacher, a subject specialist, the Parent Association chair and a TSC sub-county representative. Junior school panels are convened by the Sub-County Director and include the HR officer and Curriculum Support Officer.
Applicants receive interview details by SMS at least seven days before the interview and must attend in person. Preference is given to applicants who have not previously held P&P employment with TSC, then to candidates from the sub-county and county in that order.
Checklist for interns applying
- Confirm your TSC registration and update portal details.
- Apply only through the TSC online portal before the deadline; do not submit manual applications.
- Verify your subject-unit eligibility for secondary posts and review subject-specific requirements.
- Collect original certificates and final transcripts; prepare an affidavit for any name discrepancies.
- Keep your phone number active to receive interview SMS.
- Ignore offers asking for payment for recruitment assistance; report fraud attempts.
Resources for applicants
Prepare academically and administratively by reviewing relevant study and certification resources such as Diploma in Education past papers and the secondary school schemes of work to confirm subject coverage and units.
Bottom line
The 2,086 secondary replacement slots are fewer than last year, but the selection rules remain unchanged: internship experience dominates the score. For junior school interns, the exercise is a real opportunity to secure P&P status quickly, provided they meet qualification and documentation rules and perform well at interview. Success will depend on how many interns apply, how the 12-month experience threshold is counted, and whether applicants’ paperwork passes verification.
