TSC Circular 2025: Recruitment Guidelines for Junior & Senior Intern Teachers

TSC Circular 2025: Recruitment Guidelines for Junior & Senior Intern Teachers

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has officially released Circular No.15/2025, outlining the guidelines for recruitment of teacher interns in junior and senior schools for the 2025/2026 financial year.

This guide provides clear instructions for TSC County and Sub-County Directors, Selection Panels, and applicants seeking to join the internship program.

Click here to download full TSC guidelines for recruitment of junior and senior intern teachers with SCORESHEET (PDF)

1. General Information

Following the national advertisement for teacher intern vacancies, Sub-County Directors will oversee the selection process and submit merit lists to the TSC Headquarters via their County Directors.

• Applications must be submitted online through www.teachersonline.go.ke.
• The selection process must uphold transparency, fairness, and accountability as per the Public Officer Ethics Act and the TSC Code of Conduct (2015).
• Interview venues must be accessible to persons with disabilities.
• All applicants must be registered teachers under Section 23(1) of the TSC Act, 2012.

Applicants with name discrepancies in their documents must present a sworn affidavit explaining the variance.
 Those who re-sat KCPE or KCSE must provide certified copies of all attempts.

2. Application & Interview Process

• After shortlisting, County Directors will share applicant lists with Sub-County Directors.
• Interview dates, venues, and times will be communicated via SMS at least 7 days before verification.
• Applicants must present originals and photocopies of:
  • National ID
  • TSC registration certificate
  • Academic and professional certificates (KCPE, KCSE, Diploma/Degree & transcripts)
  • School leaving certificates
  • NCPWD card (where applicable)
  • Affidavit for name variance
  • KNEC result certification (if required)

At least 5% of all internship slots will be reserved for teachers with disabilities in compliance with the Constitution.

3. Selection Criteria

In case of a tie, priority will be given based on:

1. Length of time since graduation
2. Academic and professional qualifications
3. Subject grades (if aggregate is tied)
4. Local applicants from the Sub-County/County

Subject Priority Order:

1. Science subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
2. Mathematics & non-science subjects
3. Technical subjects (Agriculture, Business, ICT, Home Science, Design, Music, etc.)
4. Languages (English, Kiswahili, French, German, Sign Language)
5. Humanities (History, Geography, Religious Studies)

Teachers trained in Special Needs Education (SNE) will be prioritized for SNE schools.

4. Minimum Qualifications

Graduate Teachers

• Mean grade of C+ (plus) in KCSE and C+ in two teaching subjects.
• Acceptable degrees include B.Ed, B.Sc/BA + PGDE, or Agricultural Education.

Diploma Teachers

• KCSE Mean grade of C+ with C+ in two teaching subjects.
• Diploma in Education from a recognized institution.
• Teachers with disabilities are considered with C (plain).

Technical Teachers

• KCSE Mean grade of C+ with C+ in two teaching subjects.
• Must hold B.Ed Technology, B.Sc in technical field, Higher Diploma, or Diploma in technical course plus Technical Teacher Education.

 Applicants with degrees not aligned with the secondary school curriculum (e.g., Forestry, Sociology, Theology) are not eligible.

5. Selection & Documentation

The Selection Panel will consist of:

• TSC Sub-County Director (Chairperson)
• HR Officer (Secretary)
• Curriculum Support Officer (Member)

The process includes document authentication, merit list preparation, and submission of signed recruitment records to TSC Headquarters.

6. Complaints Procedure

• Applicants dissatisfied with the process must submit a written complaint to the County Director and email dirstaffing@tsc.go.ke within 7 days.
• County Directors must resolve complaints within 7 days.
• Appeals can be made to the TSC Appeals Committee within 14 days.

7. Key Notes

• Merit lists will be available to the public upon request (in compliance with the Data Protection Act, 2019).
• The Commission may recruit directly from TSC Headquarters if necessary.
• Regional Directors will coordinate the recruitment process in their jurisdictions.

Click here to download full TSC guidelines for recruitment of junior and senior intern teachers with SCORESHEET (PDF)