The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has announced the recruitment of 24,000 teachers across all 47 counties, a move aimed at addressing the acute shortage of teachers in both primary and secondary schools.
The recruitment drive comes as a relief for thousands of unemployed teachers who have been eagerly awaiting fresh opportunities, particularly after the government pledged to strengthen the education sector under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
The education sector has faced persistent challenges, including overcrowded classrooms, teacher shortages in rural areas, and slow promotion processes. This recruitment will not only reduce the teacher-to-student ratio but also create employment opportunities for many qualified teachers.
Priority is expected to be given to teachers who have stagnated in one job group for years, with a significant number of vacancies set aside for those above the age of 57 who are nearing retirement.
County-by-County Distribution of TSC Vacancies
Below is a summary table showing the number of teaching positions allocated to each county:
| County | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Baringo | 499 |
| Bomet | 422 |
| Bungoma | 1,182 |
| Busia | 652 |
| Elgeyo Marakwet | 411 |
| Embu | 352 |
| Garissa | 139 |
| Homa Bay | 1,058 |
| Isiolo | 87 |
| Kajiado | 531 |
| Kakamega | 1,187 |
| Kericho | 424 |
| Kiambu | 664 |
| Kilifi | 797 |
| Kirinyaga | 242 |
| Kisii | 682 |
| Kisumu | 681 |
| Kitui | 925 |
| Kwale | 492 |
| Laikipia | 271 |
| Lamu | 95 |
| Machakos | 807 |
| Makueni | 799 |
| Mandera | 240 |
| Marsabit | 166 |
| Meru | 784 |
| Migori | 698 |
| Mombasa | 192 |
| Murang’a | 527 |
| Nairobi | 685 |
| Nakuru | 782 |
| Nandi | 603 |
| Narok | 691 |
| Nyamira | 429 |
| Nyandarua | 345 |
| Nyeri | 332 |
| Samburu | 124 |
| Siaya | 741 |
| Taita Taveta | 156 |
| Tana River | 169 |
| Tharaka Nithi | 495 |
| Trans Nzoia | 539 |
| Turkana | 289 |
| Uasin Gishu | 504 |
| Vihiga | 380 |
| Wajir | 239 |
| West Pokot | 491 |
| Total | 24,000 |
Key Highlights
- Top Beneficiaries: Kakamega (1,187), Bungoma (1,182), and Homa Bay (1,058) have received the highest allocations.
- Lowest Allocations: Isiolo (87), Lamu (95), and Samburu (124) received the fewest vacancies, largely due to smaller student populations.
- Urban vs Rural: Counties like Nairobi (685) and Mombasa (192) received moderate allocations, reflecting their urban nature and higher availability of teachers.
- Arid Regions: Northern counties such as Mandera (240), Marsabit (166), and Wajir (239) received lower allocations but remain critical areas due to teacher shortages.
The TSC’s allocation of 24,000 vacancies represents a significant step toward bridging the teacher deficit across Kenya. While some counties have received a higher share based on population and need, others with fewer vacancies will still benefit from improved teacher-student ratios.
This recruitment is expected to not only improve learning outcomes but also motivate teachers who have long been waiting for opportunities.
