JSS Teachers Set for Redeployment to Senior Schools as P1 Teachers Prepare for Upgrade
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) is planning to redeploy a section of Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers to senior schools starting January 2026. This move comes as the first Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) cohort transitions to Grade 10, creating an urgent demand for specialized teachers.
A senior TSC official confirmed the plan, noting that it is a necessary intervention to prevent a looming staffing crisis in senior schools.
Why the Redeployment Is Necessary
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba recently admitted that many senior school learning areas face a shortage of specialized teachers. Speaking during Citizen TV’s Elimu Mashinani program in Kilifi on September 23, 2025, Ogamba highlighted the government’s financial challenges, stressing that immediate measures must be taken to bridge the gap.
However, the redeployment will only affect JSS teachers currently employed on permanent and pensionable terms and handling specialized subjects.
P1 Teachers to Be Upgraded for Junior School
At the same time, TSC is preparing to upgrade P1 teachers so they can teach junior school classes. The World Bank–funded program begins in November 2025 and will target teachers with at least a KCSE mean grade of C+ and C+ in two teaching subjects.
According to TSC, 38,849 primary school teachers have already qualified for the program. Training will take a maximum of one year, during which the teachers will be allowed to handle Grades 7, 8, and 9.
Internship Recruitment to Fill the Gap
To cover the gap created by redeployment, TSC is also recruiting 24,000 junior school teachers on a one-year internship contract. These teachers are currently undergoing document verification before signing internship agreements. They will be posted to schools in January 2026 to support Competency Based Education (CBE).
In addition, the Education CS announced that the government plans to hire another 16,000 JSS teachers in 2026. However, he did not reveal how senior schools facing critical shortages will be supported.
TSC’s Funding and Teacher Shortage
TSC has previously stated it requires Ksh 70 billion to employ 98,461 teachers across both junior and secondary schools. So far, the Commission has recruited 68,550 JSS teachers, some on permanent terms and others on internship.
Former TSC CEO Dr. Nancy Macharia, appearing before the Senate National Cohesion and Equal Opportunities Committee earlier this year, emphasized that adequate funding would help the Commission address all staffing shortages.
She explained that JSS alone faces a shortage of 72,442 teachers, while secondary schools under the 8-4-4 system require an additional 26,039 teachers.
Relief and Concerns Among Teachers
If the redeployment plan goes through, it will bring relief to many JSS teachers, especially those advocating for institutional autonomy. Teachers argue that autonomy would improve resource management, provide career progression clarity, and reduce conflicts with primary school headteachers.
Currently, primary headteachers are serving as acting principals of JSS on a one-year mandate that runs until December 31, 2025. Many JSS teachers have accused them of high-handedness, corruption, and mismanagement, further fueling the push for autonomy.
