The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has begun its replacement exercise to fill 9,159 vacancies left by teachers who exited in 2025. Successful applicants are currently completing TSC employment forms after document verification. This article explains who qualifies, required documents, timelines, and what applicants should expect during the TSC replacement exercise.
Key Takeaways
- 9,159 posts are being filled on permanent and pensionable terms for primary, junior and secondary schools.
- Primary posts require a P1 certificate; junior and secondary require a minimum of a Diploma in Education or higher.
- TSC gives priority to local applicants and awards marks to serving interns during selection.
- Applicants must present original documents for verification; merit lists will be published on request in line with the Data Protection Act.
TSC replacement exercise: who qualifies
Eligibility is limited to teachers registered with TSC. For primary schools, applicants must hold a P1 certificate. For junior secondary (JSS) and secondary schools, a minimum of a Diploma in Education is required, with degree holders also eligible. Serving intern teachers may be considered and are awarded extra marks in the selection scoresheet.
Vacancies, timeline and posting
The advert lists 7,065 primary posts, 12 junior school posts and 2,082 secondary posts. Interviews and verification began immediately after the advert and many sub-counties have completed initial vetting. The Commission plans to start posting teachers in April to address acute shortages in affected schools.
How local priority works
TSC directed vetting panels to prioritise local applicants. Selection panels compile two separate Sub County merit lists: one for local applicants and a second for non-local applicants. Non-local candidates are considered only after all local applicants have been exhausted. This policy aims to fill local staffing gaps first and shorten travel or relocation burdens for newly appointed teachers.
Interns and scoring
TSC awards 50 marks on the scoresheet to teachers who have served on internship terms. This gives serving interns a measurable advantage in the selection process for permanent and pensionable positions. Serving interns are required to present their identity cards during verification.
Document verification — what to bring
All applicants must present original and legible photocopies of relevant academic and professional documents during verification. The lists below summarise the documents required.
Primary school teachers — required documents
- National identification card
- Certificate of Registration as a teacher (TSC)
- Upgrade Diploma in Primary Teacher Education (UDPTE) or P1/PTE certificates where applicable
- KCSE certificates (include certificates for repeat attempts)
- KCPE certificate (include certificates for repeat attempts)
- 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 to explain any variance in names (sworn under Cap 15)
Post-primary (JSS and Secondary) — required documents
- National identification card
- Certificate of Registration as a teacher (TSC)
- Diploma or Degree certificate and official transcripts
- KCSE and KCPE certificates (include repeat attempts)
- Primary and secondary school leaving certificates and testimonials
- NCPWD card (where applicable)
- Affidavit to explain variance in names (where applicable)
- Letter of certification of results by KNEC (where applicable)
Placement for persons with disabilities
Applicants with disabilities should indicate their disability status and specify the nature of the disability. This information helps TSC place teachers appropriately and make any necessary reasonable adjustments.
Merit lists and data protection
After verification, Sub-County Directors compile merit lists of applicants whose documents were validated. TSC will make these merit lists available to members of the public on request, provided the release does not jeopardise the recruitment process and complies with the Data Protection Act, 2019.
Next steps for applicants
If you are preparing for verification, assemble original documents and clear photocopies in advance. Interns should carry their identity cards. While waiting for posting, consider reviewing professional materials and past papers to strengthen classroom readiness. For those studying for upgrading or certification, see the Diploma in Education past papers to prepare for professional exams.
Teachers working in competency-based classrooms can find curriculum resources such as CBC curriculum designs and CBC lesson plans to support lesson planning and delivery once posted. Primary teachers and interns seeking practice materials may also use the KCPE past exams for targeted revision.
Stay prepared, keep your documents ready, and monitor communications from TSC and your Sub County office for appointment letters and posting dates during the ongoing TSC replacement exercise.
