JSS Interns Take Over Secondary school jobs in TSC replacement, Leaving Unemployed Teachers In Shock

Last Updated on February 21, 2025 by Turkana County News Online

The recruitment process for teaching positions by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has left many unemployed teachers in shock as Junior Secondary School (JSS) intern teachers overwhelmingly secured permanent secondary school positions.

TSC had advertised a total of 5,862 positions for primary schools, 21 for junior schools, and 2,824 for secondary schools under permanent and pensionable terms. However, JSS interns had a significant advantage in the selection process due to a 50-mark boost awarded for their internship service, leading to their dominance in securing secondary school positions.

JSS Intern Teachers Gain Competitive Edge

Earlier this year, 20,000 JSS teachers were hired for a one-year internship program and posted to various schools. Despite only having served for two months, they received 50 extra marks in the recruitment process, a move that emphasized the importance of TSC’s internship program. This substantial advantage allowed them to outcompete many unemployed teachers vying for permanent positions.

Successful candidates have already filled out employment forms after meeting with their respective school principals and recruitment panels for document verification. They are now awaiting official posting by TSC.

Addressing Staffing Gaps in Junior Schools

Following this transition, TSC has begun assessing staffing needs in Grades 7, 8, and 9 to fill the vacancies left by the JSS teachers who moved to secondary schools. There has been a notable increase in JSS teachers opting to transition to secondary schools, largely driven by dissatisfaction with their working conditions in junior schools.

Many JSS teachers cite reasons such as:

• Heavy workloads
• Unclear career growth prospects
• Inadequate infrastructure and resources
• Low motivation levels

Recruitment Prioritization and Vetting Process

The vetting panels followed a strict prioritization process when considering candidates for recruitment. Preference was given to:

1. Local teachers from the sub-county
2. Teachers from the county
3. Teachers from the region
4. Teachers from other counties

Unlike in previous years, intern teachers were allowed to apply for permanent positions and were given a significant advantage in the selection process. Additionally, holders of PTE certificates who upgraded to UDPTE were awarded five extra marks in the evaluation.

Posting Timeline and Document Verification

The newly recruited teachers are expected to be posted to their respective schools between the end of this month and May 2025.

TSC has outlined the required academic and professional documents that applicants must present during the verification process:

List of documents required for verification for primary school teachers

1. National identification card
2. Certificate of Registration as a teacher
3. Evidence of completion of Upgrade Diploma in Primary Teacher Education (UDPTE) where applicable
4. PTE Certificate
5. KCSE certificate or equivalent (including re-sit certificates if applicable)
6. KCPE certificate or equivalent (including re-sit certificates if applicable)
7. Letter of Certification of results by KNEC (where applicable)
8. Primary and Secondary School leaving certificates and other relevant testimonials
9. National Council of Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) Card (where applicable)
10. Affidavit explaining any name discrepancies

List of documents required for verification for post primary school teachers (JSS and Secondary)

1. National identification card
2. Certificate of Registration as a teacher
3. Diploma/Degree certificate and official transcripts
4. KCSE certificate or equivalent (including re-sit certificates if applicable)
5. KCPE certificate or equivalent (including re-sit certificates if applicable)
6. Primary and Secondary School leaving certificates and other relevant testimonials
7. National Council of Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) Card (where applicable)
8. Affidavit explaining any name discrepancies
9. Letter of Certification of results by KNEC (where applicable)

Notably, serving intern teachers are only required to present their national identification cards during the verification process.

Transparency in the Recruitment Process

To maintain transparency and adherence to regulations, TSC has directed its Sub-County Directors to compile a Merit List of all verified applicants. This list will be accessible to the public upon request while ensuring compliance with the Data Protection Act, 2019.

As the posting process unfolds, stakeholders will be keenly watching how TSC manages the staffing transition in both junior and secondary schools, particularly in addressing concerns raised by JSS teachers and unemployed educators alike.