TSC teacher jobs: the 20,000 junior school posts, who qualifies, and when interns become permanent
TSC is hiring 20,000 junior school teachers and has budgeted to move 44,000 interns onto permanent terms in 2027. Here is who qualifies, what happens next, and the court case over intern pay.
Teaching jobs are among the most searched jobs in Kenya. In 2026 the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) launched one of its biggest staffing drives, mainly for Junior Schools under Competency-Based Education.
The recruitment at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Posts | 20,000 Junior School teachers |
| Applications | Online only, 18–31 August 2026 (now closed) |
| Budget 2026/27 | KSh13.1 billion for teacher conversions |
| Interns to permanent | 20,000 from January 2027 (KSh4.9bn) and 24,000 from July 2027 (KSh8.2bn) |
| Teachers hired since 2022 | About 116,000 once the 44,000 interns are converted (Treasury) |
Who qualifies
- A Kenyan citizen, registered with TSC and currently unemployed.
- At least a Diploma in Education.
- KCSE mean grade of at least C+, with C+ or better in two teaching subjects (or equivalent).
- No record of leaving TSC service on disciplinary grounds.
- Original academic and professional certificates at the interview.
Selection is on merit and by the number of vacancies in each county. Successful candidates are placed in their current sub-county or station.
The intern court case
- April 2024: the Employment and Labour Relations Court ruled that TSC discriminated against qualified teachers by employing them as interns on lower terms.
- February 2026: the Court of Appeal upheld that finding.
- April 2026: the Supreme Court issued an interim stay on TSC's appeal, so the internship programme continues while the case is decided.
Beware of fraud: TSC recruitment is free. Anyone asking for money to secure a job is a conman. Report them to the nearest TSC office or police station.
What to watch
- Shortlists and county interview dates for the 20,000 posts.
- Whether the January 2027 conversion of 20,000 interns goes ahead on time.
- The Supreme Court's final ruling on intern terms.
Related: KCSE 2026 and the end of 8-4-4.
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