TSC Confirms JSS Interns Starting October 2025
In a landmark development for Kenya’s education sector, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has officially announced plans to confirm over 20,000 Junior Secondary School (JSS) intern teachers on permanent and pensionable (PnP) terms beginning October 2025.
This long-anticipated move marks a major victory for educators who have tirelessly served under internship contracts for the past two years and comes after sustained pressure from teachers’ unions and Members of Parliament.
Confirmation Process to Begin in October, Finalized by December 2025
According to reliable TSC sources, the confirmation process will be rolled out in phases beginning October and is expected to be concluded by December 2025. The newly confirmed teachers will officially assume their permanent roles starting January 2026, in alignment with the new school year.
This timeline allows the Commission to complete necessary documentation, vetting, and budget planning in collaboration with the National Treasury and Ministry of Education.
Eligibility Criteria for Confirmation
Not every intern teacher will be automatically confirmed. TSC has outlined key eligibility requirements for absorption into permanent terms:
- Must have completed the full internship term (typically one year or more)
- Must have received positive performance appraisals (TPAD) from school heads
- Must be compliant with TSC’s Code of Conduct and Ethics
- Must possess valid teaching credentials and TSC registration
- Must be currently deployed in a JSS teaching position
Teachers who meet these requirements will begin receiving official confirmation letters starting October 2025.
Benefits of Transition to Permanent Terms
Intern teachers have long been operating under challenging conditions, receiving stipends of just KSh 20,000 per month, without allowances or job security. The confirmation to PnP terms will grant them:
- Competitive monthly salaries tied to job group
- Pension contributions and long-term retirement security
- Access to medical cover
- Housing, commuter, and hardship allowances
- Eligibility for promotion and career advancement
This shift will significantly improve both teacher morale and the overall quality of junior secondary education.
Why This Move Matters for JSS Learners and Schools
Since the inception of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), JSS has faced critical staffing shortages. Interns have been the backbone of instruction across the country.
By confirming 20,000 of these teachers, TSC is:
- Stabilizing classrooms in the junior secondary tier
- Enhancing learner performance through teacher retention
- Reducing teacher burnout and turnover
- Supporting smooth CBC implementation
For parents and learners, this decision assures them of continued learning without disruptions.
Victory After Months of Pressure from Unions and Parliament
This move follows intense lobbying from the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET). Both unions have decried the prolonged use of intern labor without transition to formal employment.
Parliament’s Education Committee also weighed in, demanding TSC provide a clear roadmap for intern teacher absorption during a session in July 2025.
It appears that sustained pressure has finally borne fruit.
TSC’s Assurance and Future Plans
TSC has assured stakeholders that it is working with the National Treasury to ensure budgetary allocations are made in time to support the confirmation process.
Further, insiders reveal that TSC may formalize internship as a structured path to permanent employment, giving hope to 2024 interns and future graduates awaiting placement.
What Intern Teachers Should Do Now
TSC has urged intern teachers to maintain professional discipline, avoid absenteeism, and adhere to school policies as their performance will be closely reviewed during the vetting process.
Teachers are also advised to monitor the following official communication channels for updates:
- TSC SMS alerts
- TSC Website
- Teacher email accounts
- Notices from county and sub-county TSC offices
Key Dates to Note
| Activity | Timeline |
| Start of confirmation process | October 2025 |
| End of confirmation & vetting | December 2025 |
| Reporting under new PnP terms | January 2026 |
Conclusion
The confirmation of 20,000 JSS intern teachers is not just a change in employment terms—it is a long-overdue recognition of dedication, resilience, and service. This development represents a turning point in Kenya’s education workforce planning, and a beacon of hope for thousands of hardworking interns.
As Kenya’s education system continues to evolve, this step ensures that the CBC implementation is not only sustained but also strengthened by a motivated, well-supported teaching force.
Teachers, stay informed, stay professional — your time is now.
