The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has rolled out a nationwide document verification exercise across all sub-counties as part of an ongoing recruitment drive to replace teachers who exited the service in 2025.
According to TSC, the exercise targets a total of 9,159 teaching positions across primary, junior, and secondary schools and marks a key stage in the replacement process.
TSC said interviews for the replacement exercise were scheduled to officially begin on January 26, 2026, with several sub-counties commencing the exercise on that date, while the majority are expected to conduct interviews from January 27. The process has largely started with applicants for primary school teaching positions before extending to junior and senior secondary school candidates.
TSC invited shortlisted applicants through text messages after the conclusion of the application period, which closed on December 8, 2025.
The applications were submitted in response to a recruitment advert issued in November 2025, aimed at filling vacancies left by teachers who exited the service through natural attrition.
One such message sent to applicants detailed the venue, date, and requirements for the document verification exercise. In the message, applicants were instructed to present both original documents and copies, including national identification cards, academic and professional certificates, TSC registration certificates, and National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) certificates where applicable. The messages also specified reporting times and interview venues within the respective sub-counties.
Despite the rollout, some applicants have raised concerns after failing to receive invitation messages. Several teachers reported missing out on the SMS notifications and expressed frustration over the lack of clarity.
However, they were advised to physically present themselves at the designated interview venues to confirm whether their names appeared on the merit lists.
TSC has not publicly published the merit lists for the exercise, citing privacy and data protection considerations. This has contributed to uncertainty among some applicants, although the Commission maintains that the verification process remains transparent and merit-based.
The interviews are largely focused on document verification rather than oral assessments. Once verification is completed at the sub-county level, TSC Sub-County Directors will compile and forward details of successful candidates to the Commission’s headquarters in Nairobi for further scrutiny and approval.
Successful applicants are expected to be posted to schools in April 2026 to replace teachers who left the service in the previous year. However, indications suggest that posting may begin as early as March once the verification and approval processes are concluded.
In the recruitment advert, TSC declared 7,065 vacancies for primary schools, 12 positions for junior schools, and 2,082 posts for secondary schools. All positions are on permanent and pensionable terms, offering long-term employment to successful candidates.
To qualify, applicants must be registered teachers with TSC. For primary school positions, candidates are required to hold a P1 certificate, while those applying for junior and secondary school posts must possess a minimum of a Diploma in Education.
The replacement exercise has come as a relief to many teachers, particularly P1 certificate holders who have gone for nearly three years without a mass employment exercise by the Commission. It has also opened doors for junior school intern teachers seeking an opportunity to transition into permanent and pensionable employment.
In a move aimed at recognizing prior service, TSC has allocated 50 marks in the recruitment scoresheet to teachers who have previously served under internship terms.
Additionally, the recruitment framework prioritizes local applicants, with preference given in the order of Sub-County, County, and Region to ensure equitable distribution and address staffing needs at the grassroots level.
As the exercise continues across the country, thousands of teachers remain hopeful that the process will culminate in successful appointments, helping to address staffing gaps in public schools while offering job security to qualified educators.
List of documents required for verification for primary school teachers
- National identification card
- Certificate of Registration as a teacher
- Evidence of the completion of Upgrade Diploma in Primary Teacher Education or UDPTE Certificate where applicable
- PTE Certificate
- KCSE certificates or its equivalent (include certificates for attempts if one resat exam)
- KCPE certificate or it’s equivalent (include certificates for attempts if one resat exam)
- Letter of Certification of results by KNEC (where applicable)
- Primary and Secondary School leaving certificates and other relevant testimonials
- National Council of Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) Card (where applicable)
- An Affidavit sworn under the Oaths and Statutory Declarations Act, Cap 15 of the Laws of Kenya to explain the variance in names.
List of documents required for verification for post primary school teachers (JSS and Secondary)
- National identification card
- Certificate of Registration as a teacher
- Diploma/Degree certificate and official transcripts
- KCSE certificates or its equivalent (include certificates for attempts if one re-sat exams)
- KCPE certificate or its equivalent (include certificates for attempts if one re-sat exams)
- Primary and Secondary School leaving certificates and other relevant testimonials
- National Council of Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) Card (where applicable)
- An Affidavit sworn under the Oaths and Statutory Declarations Act, Cap 15 of the Laws of Kenya to explain the variance in names
- Letter of certification of results by KNEC (where applicable).
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