To address the growing staffing crisis in Junior School, the government has allocated Sh2 billion to recruit an additional 24,000 intern teachers by January 2026. According to TSC chairperson Dr Jamleck Muturi, the new recruits will largely focus on high-demand STEM subjects.
Dr Muturi confirmed that the Commission will also advertise vacancies for teachers who have exited the service through natural attrition. This is expected to further reduce the deficit, although experts warn that attrition-based hiring alone cannot match increasing demand.
The mass recruitment is intended to stabilise the CBE system, which relies heavily on specialised teaching in science, technology and mathematics. However, critics argue that using interns instead of fully employed teachers may not provide a sustainable long-term solution.
Concerns persist about low pay, lack of job security and the two-year confirmation rule. Some teachers are increasingly unwilling to accept internship positions due to the harsh working conditions.
Education analysts say that while the recruitment is a positive step, the government must simultaneously increase funding for permanent positions, create competitive career pathways, and address morale issues among existing interns.
The planned 24,000 hires underscore the scale of the staffing crisis and the government’s determination to stabilise Junior School. Whether these measures will sufficiently strengthen the sector remains to be seen.
