TSC receives over 314,000 job applications for only 46,000 teaching vacancies

At least 314,117 unemployed teachers have applied for 46,000 positions recently advertised by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), highlighting the severe unemployment crisis among education graduates.

The application period, which closed on October 8, 2024, reveals a growing concern over the number of jobless teachers despite staffing shortages in schools.

Of the total applications, 144,177 teachers are seeking one of the 39,500 permanent and pensionable vacancies available in junior schools, which are experiencing the most acute staff shortages.

Many junior schools have relied heavily on contracted teachers, commonly referred to as interns.

Additionally, 93,646 teachers applied for 6,000 positions in primary schools, while 76,294 sought 450 jobs in secondary schools.

The persistent shortage of teachers at all educational levels has been a longstanding issue that the government has struggled to address.

During his 2022 presidential campaign, President William Ruto promised to hire 116,000 teachers within two years.

Challenge

However, achieving this goal has proven challenging. Following the completion of this recruitment drive, the government will have employed 56,000 teachers since taking office.

Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Secretary-General Akello Misori commended the government's decision to hire 46,000 teachers on permanent terms, calling it the largest recruitment effort in the nation's history.

"Dealing with a smaller deficit is easier. The government has solved part of the problem of education and transition, but Parliament must allocate more money to employ jobless teachers. We shouldn't spend so much money to train teachers and then not see a return on our investment," Misori stated.

He also noted that many employers have been underpaying teachers due to the oversupply in the market, labelling this practice as detrimental to labour standards.

Since last Friday, the selection process has been underway, including vetting documents, filling out employment forms, and issuing offer letters at the sub-county level.

Candidates who wish to contest their selection can submit complaints to TSC county offices between October 22, 2024 and October 3, 2024.

The newly hired teachers are expected to report to their schools on January 2, 2025.