The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) recruitment guidelines set out the process for recruiting primary school teachers on permanent and pensionable (PNP) terms for the 2025/2026 financial year. These guidelines explain who is eligible, what documents are required, how selection panels operate, and the steps for verification and appeals.
Key Takeaways
- Only duly registered teachers who apply via teachersonline.go.ke for the declared county/sub-county are eligible.
- Original documents must be presented during sub-county verification; certified photocopies are submitted up the chain.
- At least 5% of advertised slots are reserved for teachers with disabilities and reasonable adjustments are provided.
- Complaints must be submitted to the County Director within seven days; Appeals Committee decisions follow within 14 days.
Main eligibility and how to apply
Applicants must be registered teachers under Section 23(1) of the TSC Act, 2012. Applications are submitted only through the online platform at teachersonline.go.ke for the county or sub-county where the vacancy is advertised. Preference is given to candidates who have not previously held PNP employment with the Commission and to those from the recruiting sub-county, then county, in order of merit.
Documents required for verification
During verification applicants must present original documents and clear photocopies. Key documents include:
- National ID card
- Certificate of registration as a teacher
- PTE or Upgrade Diploma in Primary Teacher Education (where applicable)
- KCSE and KCPE certificates (include certificates for all attempts)
- KNEC certification letters where original certificates are missing
- Medical examination report in form GP 69
- KRA PIN, bank form and bank card/photo for payroll setup
- NCPWD card for applicants with disabilities (where applicable)
- An affidavit explaining any name variance
If you need study or qualification support, consult diploma in education past papers to prepare for document checks or refresher exams.
Selection process and scoring (TSC recruitment guidelines)
The selection is conducted by Sub-County Selection Panels which compile merit lists after document verification and scoring. Each applicant receives a serial number and is scored using the Commission’s panel score sheet. Where applicants tie in marks, the following tie-breakers apply in order:
- Length of stay since graduation
- Strength of academic and professional certificates (if still tied, aggregate KCSE grades are used)
The Sub-County panels submit merit lists to County Directors who compile county lists for verification at TSC Headquarters.
Sub-County Selection Panels and verification
Each Sub-County Selection Panel comprises the Sub-County Director (chair), Sub-County Human Resource Officer (secretary) and a Curriculum Support Officer. Verification is done in person. Original certificates are scrutinized for authenticity and photocopies certified by the Sub-County Director before onward submission. Any applicant found presenting forged documents will be disqualified and may be deregistered.
Inclusion and disability provisions
The Commission reserves at least 5% of advertised slots for teachers with disabilities. Applicants must indicate the nature of their disability and present relevant documentation such as an NCPWD card. Reasonable accommodations — for example, sign language interpreters for hearing or speech impaired applicants — are provided during the selection and verification process.
Complaints, appeals and timelines
Applicants dissatisfied with the selection should submit a written complaint to the County Director and email dirstaffing@tsc.go.ke within seven days of the selection exercise. The County Director has seven days to respond and report actions taken to Headquarters. Appeals against county decisions, or complaints involving county officers, are handled by the Appeals Committee at TSC Headquarters with outcomes expected within 14 days.
Submission to TSC Headquarters
County Directors forward the following to Headquarters in the prescribed order: signed minutes of Sub-County Selection Panels, county merit lists, lists of selected applicants, lists of those who did not appear, lists of applicants with disabilities, signed offer letters, original KNEC confirmations (where necessary), GP 69 medical reports, and certified copies of all required documents. Panels must also submit hard copy score sheets for selected applicants.
Practical tips and resources
- Bring originals and extra certified photocopies to the verification exercise to avoid delays.
- If you resat national exams, bring certificates for every attempt and KNEC letters where applicable.
- Review curriculum materials to understand expected competency levels; see CBC curriculum designs and KCPE practice exams for preparation resources.
Important notes
Merit lists will be available to the public on request in ways that respect the Data Protection Act, 2019. Regional and County Directors must ensure that the recruitment process is transparent, accessible and compliant with the TSC Code of Conduct and the Public Officer Ethics Act.
