The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has announced a major TSC internship recruitment drive that will bring 16,000 intern teachers onto one-year contracts and provide for the replacement of more than 5,000 teachers who are expected to exit service by the end of 2026. The focus is on filling gaps in junior and senior secondary schools to support Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) implementation.
Key Takeaways
- 16,000 intern teachers will be hired on one-year contracts running January 1 to December 31, 2027.
- The Commission plans to replace over 5,000 teachers leaving through natural attrition in 2026, mainly in primary schools.
- TSC is seeking Sh7.2 billion to confirm 20,000 JSS interns into permanent and pensionable terms, and Sh1.5 billion for replacements.
- The recruitment drive follows a Supreme Court decision that reinstated the internship programme and aligns with a government two-year internship policy before confirmation.
TSC internship recruitment: overview
The Teachers Service Commission plans a November recruitment exercise that will target junior and senior secondary school positions where teacher demand is high under the CBC. Intern teachers will work on fixed one-year contracts for 2027, giving newly qualified graduates classroom experience while TSC assesses longer-term staffing needs.
Why TSC is recruiting interns now
TSC says the move responds to growing student numbers and new curriculum demands in junior and senior secondary schools. The internship programme, first introduced in 2019, aims to give young graduates practical teaching experience and improve their employability. A recent Supreme Court ruling reinstated the programme and paused an earlier Court of Appeal decision that had declared it illegal.
Current internship numbers and the confirmation path
About 44,000 teachers are already serving under internship terms. This includes 20,000 junior secondary school (JSS) teachers recruited on January 1, 2025, whose contracts were extended through December 31, 2026, and another 24,000 JSS interns recruited in January this year.
TSC is requesting Sh7.2 billion in the July budget to confirm the 20,000 JSS interns into permanent and pensionable terms from January 2027. The government policy now requires interns to serve for at least two years before being considered for permanent employment.
Impact on primary schools and teacher training colleges
Primary schools currently show a surplus of teachers after the move of Grade 7 and 8 learners to junior secondary. Because of this oversupply, TSC has suspended mass recruitment for primary teachers and will only replace staff who leave through natural attrition. Teacher Training Colleges (TTCs) have been advised to halt the intake and training of primary school teachers until demand stabilizes.
Where the new hires will be placed
The bulk of the 16,000 interns will be placed in junior and senior secondary school classrooms to support CBC rollout and rising enrolment. TSC will prioritize subjects and regions with the greatest shortages to improve learning outcomes.
What candidates and schools should expect
- Recruitment opens in November — shortlisted candidates will sign one-year contracts covering 2027.
- Interns receive classroom assignments and on-the-job supervision intended to build practical teaching skills.
- The two-year policy means interns should expect performance reviews and possible confirmation after meeting service and competency criteria.
How this affects CBC teaching and exam preparation
More tutors in junior and senior secondary schools should ease teacher workload and support CBC-based assessments. Teachers and students can use published resources to prepare for CBC assessments and classroom activities. For national CBC exam practice and revision materials, see the CBC exam resources. Schools teaching JSS classes can access curriculum designs at JSS curriculum designs and find ready-made lesson plans at CBC lesson plans.
Practical tips for prospective interns
- Prepare a clear teaching portfolio and proof of qualifications before applying.
- Highlight CBC experience or coursework where possible.
- Be ready to accept temporary postings in areas with the highest need; mobility improves placement chances.
- Use internship time to build classroom management and assessment skills that support confirmation prospects.
Final note on implementation
The TSC internship recruitment is designed to balance short-term staffing gaps and long-term workforce planning. By prioritizing junior and senior secondary needs while limiting primary recruitment, the Commission aims to match teacher supply with the evolving demands of the CBC and student population growth.
