Thousands of unemployed primary school teachers face a significant challenge as the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has confirmed that it will not initiate new recruitment for primary institutions, citing an existing staffing surplus.
The commission has shifted its recruitment focus to junior and senior secondary schools, which leaves many qualified primary school teachers, who have been eagerly awaiting job opportunities, in a state of uncertainty.
This change in recruitment strategy reflects evolving workforce demands within the education sector, raising concerns among trained educators about their future prospects.
Members of Parliament (MPs) have voiced their apprehensions regarding the absence of recruitment plans for primary school teachers, questioning why the TSC has not commenced hiring at this foundational level.
During an appearance before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Education on February 19, 2026, Acting TSC CEO Evelyn Mitei clarified that the collapse of the 8-4-4 education system has resulted in an oversupply of primary school teachers, even as junior and senior schools experience ongoing shortages.
“With the transition of learners to Junior Secondary, the demand at the primary level has decreased, but new pathways in higher education require additional teachers,” she explained.
Mitei also announced that the Commission plans to recruit 16,000 additional teachers for junior and senior schools in the upcoming financial year, with an investment of Ksh1.9 billion, as part of efforts to alleviate the current teacher shortage, which stands at approximately 116,000 nationwide.
“In the past three years, we have successfully recruited 100,000 teachers. The 2026/27 plan will continue this trajectory to address shortages caused by the Competency-Based Curriculum,” she added.
Legislators raised further concerns regarding the delayed promotions of teachers who have achieved advanced academic qualifications, highlighting that many with master’s and PhD degrees remain unrecognized in their roles.
They also called for the regularization of long-serving officers in acting positions, emphasizing that prolonged acting appointments contradict labor laws.
In response, the TSC introduced a budget proposal amounting to Ksh422.9 billion, which includes Ksh2 billion earmarked for teacher promotions, Ksh1.5 billion for retraining educators in new learning areas, and Ksh7.2 billion to transition 20,000 interns into permanent and pensionable positions.
However, the Commission highlighted significant budgetary constraints that may hinder the implementation of essential reforms, including the rollout of a new administrative structure for junior schools and the payment of acting allowances.
The CEO noted that no funds had been allocated for acting allowances, despite teachers continuing to fulfill administrative responsibilities, and appealed for parliamentary support to address these funding gaps.
According to the Budget Policy Statement, the TSC’s total proposed allocation for the 2026/27 financial year stands at Ksh422.96 billion, which encompasses the recruitment of 16,000 new teachers and the conversion of 20,000 interns to permanent and pensionable status.
