The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has begun a nationwide TSC verification exercise to replace 9,159 teachers who exited service through natural attrition. The exercise focuses on document verification for applicants to primary, junior and secondary school posts declared in the December 2025 advert, and will determine which candidates are forwarded for final scrutiny and posting.
TSC verification exercise — Key Takeaways
- The TSC verification exercise validates original documents for 9,159 advertised vacancies (7,065 primary, 12 junior, 2,082 secondary).
- Interviews started on 26 January 2026 with most sub-counties scheduling verification over the following days.
- Successful candidates will be posted on permanent and pensionable terms, with postings likely in March–April 2026.
- Intern teachers awarded 50 marks on the scoresheet need only present their ID at verification; local applicants get priority by sub-county, county and region.
Background and purpose of the verification exercise
The TSC verification exercise follows the Commission’s replacement advert for teachers who left service in 2025. The process confirms the authenticity of academic, professional and identity documents for applicants who applied online before the 8 December 2025 deadline.
Verification is a mandatory step before TSC directors compile merit lists and forward successful candidates to the TSC Headquarters for final checks. The recruitment aims to quickly fill classroom gaps while adhering to recruitment guidelines and data protection rules.
Who is eligible for these replacement posts
To qualify, applicants must be Kenyan citizens, registered with TSC, and hold the required qualification for the level applied:
- Primary: P1 certificate (or Upgrade Diploma where applicable).
- Junior and Secondary: Minimum Diploma in Education or Degree as specified.
- Intern teachers who have served under internship terms and were awarded 50 marks on the scoresheet are eligible but have simplified verification requirements.
Documents required for document verification
Applicants must present originals and clear photocopies of relevant documents. Keep copies legible and organized to speed up the process.
Primary school teacher documents
- National identification card
- Certificate of Registration as a teacher (TSC Reg. Cert.)
- P1 Certificate or evidence of Upgrade Diploma in Primary Teacher Education (UDPTE)
- KCSE and KCPE certificates (include certificates for repeat attempts)
- Primary and secondary school leaving certificates and testimonials
- Letter of certification of results by KNEC (where applicable)
- NCPWD Card (where applicable) and an affidavit to explain name variances
Post-primary (JSS and Secondary) teacher documents
- National identification card
- Certificate of Registration as a teacher
- Diploma or Degree certificates and official transcripts
- KCSE and KCPE certificates (include repeat attempt certificates)
- Primary and secondary school leaving certificates and testimonials
- Letter of certification of results by KNEC (where applicable)
- NCPWD Card (where applicable) and an affidavit to explain name variances
How interviews, merit lists and posting will work
Verification interviews are largely documentary. Sub-County Directors compile merit lists from verified applicants. TSC has said that merit lists will be available on request while complying with the Data Protection Act, 2019.
After local and sub-county scrutiny, successful applicants’ details are forwarded to Nairobi for final checks. Posting to schools will follow the recruitment rules; candidates should expect postings anywhere in the country and not necessarily where they were interviewed.
Safeguards and reporting fraud
The recruitment is free of charge. Applicants should be wary of fraudsters asking for money or promising guaranteed placement. Any suspected fraudulent activity should be reported to the nearest TSC office or the relevant police station.
Practical tips for applicants
- Attend the verification venue even if you did not receive an SMS invitation — officials advised that candidates confirm their listing on site.
- Bring originals and neat photocopies in a clear file. Label documents to help verification staff.
- If you served as an intern, bring your ID and any proof of internship service to claim the 50 marks allocation.
- Prepare for possible transfers: successful candidates can be posted anywhere, so update your contact details and availability.
- Use study resources to improve your professional standing, for example consult Diploma in Education past papers for revision or access JSS teaching notes when preparing for post-primary roles.
- Teachers interested in curriculum references can review CBC curriculum designs and related exam materials to strengthen classroom readiness.
What applicants should expect next
Verification across sub-counties will continue until all shortlisted applicants are processed. Merit lists will be produced locally and made available on request. Subject to final clearance, postings to replace teachers who exited in 2025 are expected in March–April 2026.
Stay prepared, keep your documents current and report any irregularities immediately. The verification exercise is the decisive step in the teacher recruitment process and determines who progresses to posting on permanent and pensionable terms.
