TSC’s Revised Specifications for Employment, In September 2024
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) is set to initiate the recruitment of 18,000 junior school intern instructors in September 2024, with the recruitment process expected to begin shortly after the swearing-in of the new Cabinet Secretary for Education, Julius Ogamba, and Cabinet Secretary for Treasury, John Mbadi. This significant hiring initiative follows the signing of the Supplementary Appropriations (No. 2) Bill 2024 by President William Ruto, which allocates funds for hiring new intern teachers and confirming 46,000 current interns to permanent positions.
Background and Context
The recruitment process, initially scheduled for July 2024, faced delays due to budgetary constraints following the rejection of the 2024 Finance Bill. However, the recent budget approvals have now enabled the TSC to proceed with the planned hiring. This initiative is part of the broader government effort to support the successful implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) and ensure a smooth transition from Grade 9 to Grade 10 by 2026.
TSC Requirements for Employment of Grade 9 Teachers
To be eligible for the internship program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Educational Qualifications:
- For primary school internships, candidates must hold a Primary Teacher Education (PTE) or Diploma in Primary Teacher Education (DPTE) certificate.
- For junior school positions, candidates must have at least a Diploma in Education and a minimum grade of C+ in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), with C+ in two teaching subjects.
- Registration with TSC:
- All applicants must be registered with the Teachers Service Commission. During the verification process, candidates will be required to produce a copy of their Teacher Registration Certificate or a printout from the TSC online portal as proof of registration.
- Additional Documentation:
- Applicants must provide a copy of their National Identity Card (ID) or Passport, a copy of the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) card, a copy of their Kenya Revenue Authority Personal Identification Number (KRA PIN), and two color passport-size photographs.
- Applicants with disabilities must also provide a copy of the National Council for Persons with Disability (NCPWD) card.
Internship Details and Benefits
The Teacher Internship Programme is a one-year initiative designed to equip and sustain the competencies of individuals entering the teaching profession. The program offers mentorship, coaching, and practical teaching experience, providing invaluable hands-on exposure in a classroom setting.
Interns assigned to primary schools will receive a monthly stipend of Ksh 15,000, while those in junior schools will earn Ksh 20,000. Upon successful completion of the internship program, participants will be awarded an internship certificate, which will carry additional marks during the confirmation process to permanent employment terms.
Infrastructure and Government Commitment
In addition to the recruitment drive, the government, in collaboration with development partners and the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), is constructing 18,000 classrooms to accommodate Grade 9 learners in January 2025. This includes 11,000 classrooms being developed with the support of development partners and 7,000 through CDF. The government’s efforts underscore its commitment to the successful implementation of the CBC and ensuring the necessary infrastructure is in place to support this transition.
This hiring initiative represents a significant step forward in strengthening Kenya’s education system, particularly at the junior secondary school level, and underscores the government’s dedication to improving education quality across the country.
