The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has initiated a massive recruitment campaign, announcing 46,000 teaching positions across Kenya.
The lion’s share of these positions is earmarked for Junior Secondary Schools. Here’s how the positions are distributed:
- Junior Secondary Schools: 39,550 positions
- Primary Schools: 6,000 positions
- Secondary Schools: 450 positions
A Victory for Teachers’ Unions
The announcement, published in the government bulletin MyGov on Tuesday, October 1, marks a triumph for teachers’ unions. Their persistent advocacy, which culminated in strikes during August, has finally borne fruit.
A TSC spokesperson stated,
“This recruitment drive is a direct response to the concerns raised by our dedicated educators. We’re committed to ensuring every classroom has a qualified teacher.”
Application Process: What You Need to Know
Aspiring educators, take note! The TSC has outlined clear criteria for applicants:
1. For primary school positions: A minimum of a P1 certificate is required.
2. For Junior and secondary school positions: At least a diploma in education is necessary.
3. All applicants must be registered with the TSC.
“Interested and qualified candidates should submit their applications online through the Teachers Service Commission’s website, www.tsc.go.ke, under ‘Careers’ or teachersonline.tsc.go.ke,” the official notice states.
The application deadline is set for midnight on October 7, 2024.
Funds Allocated Under the Supplementary Appropriations Act 2024
This massive recruitment drive comes after a policy shift by President William Ruto’s administration. Initially, teacher recruitment had been frozen in June as part of broader austerity measures linked to the Finance Bill 2024.
Under the Supplementary Appropriations Act 2024, Ksh18.6 billion was allocated to fund these 46,000 teaching positions on permanent and pensionable terms.
Addressing Long-Standing Grievances
The issue of teacher confirmation has been a thorn in the side of Kenya’s education system for months. Intern teachers, many working under precarious contract terms, have been vocal in their demands for permanent positions.
President Ruto, during a recent address in Kajiado, sought to reassure the nation’s educators:
“We have faced challenges with the Finance Bill, but I assure all Junior Secondary teachers currently under internship that they will be confirmed as permanent employees by the end of the year.”
Musalia Mudavadi has also flagged off teachers going to work in the U.S.
