Career advice
How TSC Teacher Recruitment Works: Requirements, Applying and Avoiding Fake Adverts
How the Teachers Service Commission recruits teachers and intern teachers in Kenya: who qualifies, how to apply on the TSC website, how selection works, and how to spot fake TSC adverts. With the 2026 junior school drive as an example.
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) employs teachers for public primary, junior and senior schools in Kenya. Its recruitment drives are some of the biggest in the country, and some of the most imitated by scammers. This guide explains how TSC recruitment works so you can prepare properly and apply safely.
Who can be recruited by TSC
Requirements depend on the level and the advert, but TSC adverts typically ask that you:
- Are a Kenyan citizen.
- Hold the required teaching qualification (for example, at least a Diploma in Education for junior school posts).
- Meet the minimum KCSE grades set in the advert, including grades in your two teaching subjects.
- Are registered with TSC (you must have a TSC registration number to teach in Kenya).
- Have not left the teaching service on disciplinary grounds.
Some adverts also require applicants to be unemployed, or give preference to people already serving as intern teachers. Always read the full advert.
Example: the 2026 junior school drive
In July 2026, TSC advertised 20,000 teacher positions in junior schools, linked to the rollout of Competency-Based Education. The advert asked for Kenyan citizens with at least a Diploma in Education, a minimum KCSE mean grade of C+ (with C+ in two teaching subjects), TSC registration, and no record of disciplinary exit. Applications were taken online only, from 18 to 31 August 2026, through the careers section of the TSC website or the Teachers Online platform. Each applicant could submit only one application, and TSC stated that the process was free of charge.
Separately, the national budget provided for converting 20,000 intern teachers to permanent and pensionable terms from January 2027, and for recruiting 24,000 new interns from July 2027. Watch the TSC website for official adverts.
How to apply
- Get registered with TSC if you are not already. Registration takes time, so do it as soon as you qualify.
- Wait for the official advert on the TSC website. Adverts state the number of posts, requirements, dates and how to apply.
- Apply online through the TSC careers portal or Teachers Online during the application window. Manual (paper) applications are usually not accepted.
- Submit only one application, choosing your county and station preferences carefully if asked.
- Prepare your originals: academic and professional certificates, ID and TSC registration certificate, for verification if you are selected.
How selection works
TSC says selection is based on merit and the number of vacancies in each county. Selection is usually done at county and sub-county level using a scoring guide that considers factors such as qualifications and experience, and in recent drives intern experience has counted in applicants' favour. Shortlisted candidates attend verification and interviews where original documents are checked.
How to spot fake TSC adverts
Fake TSC posters circulate regularly. In July 2026, TSC publicly disowned a poster advertising 24,000 junior school intern jobs. Protect yourself:
- Check the TSC website. If the advert is not there, it is not real.
- Never pay. TSC recruitment is free. Anyone asking for money to "secure" a posting is a fraudster.
- Ignore "agents" and "insiders" who claim they can influence selection.
- Be careful with links. Apply only through the official TSC website, not links shared on WhatsApp or Facebook.
TSC advises reporting suspected fraud to the nearest TSC office, TSC headquarters or the nearest police station. Read our 12 signs of a fake job advert.
Other teaching jobs
TSC is not the only employer of teachers. County governments recruit ECDE teachers, private schools hire throughout the year, and TVET colleges and universities recruit trainers and lecturers. Browse teaching and education jobs on JobsToGrab, or set up a job alert for Education & Training.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a TSC number to apply for TSC jobs?
Yes. You must be registered with the Teachers Service Commission to be employed as a teacher in Kenya, and TSC adverts require proof of registration.
How do I apply for TSC jobs?
Online, through the careers section of the TSC website or the Teachers Online platform, during the dates given in the official advert. Paper applications are usually not accepted.
Does TSC charge any fee for recruitment?
No. TSC states that its recruitment is free of charge. Report anyone who asks for money.
Are intern teachers given priority?
In recent recruitment, intern experience has counted in applicants' favour in TSC's scoring, and the government has budgeted for converting thousands of interns to permanent terms. Check each advert for the current rules.
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