The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has unveiled the official distribution of the 24,000 new teacher vacancies across Kenya, breaking them down by county and sub-county. The allocation is expected to address the acute teacher shortage in public schools and ease pressure in understaffed learning institutions.

According to the report, counties with larger student populations and expansive geographical coverage received the highest allocations. Bungoma (1,182), Kakamega (1,187), Kitui (925), Homa Bay (1,058), and Siaya (741) are among the biggest beneficiaries. On the other hand, arid and sparsely populated counties such as Isiolo (87), Lamu (95), Garissa (139), Samburu (124), and Tana River (169) received fewer slots.

County Allocations

The vacancies were distributed with a focus on equity and the urgent need to reduce teacher-pupil ratios in public schools. For example:

• Kakamega County leads with 1,187 slots, distributed across 12 sub-counties including Kakamega North (210) and Likuyani (114).

• Bungoma County follows closely with 1,182 slots, with high allocations in Kimaeti (186) and Bungoma South (174).

• Kitui County received 925 slots, spread across 20 sub-counties, with Mutomo (86) and Mwingi Central (80) being the highest beneficiaries.

• Siaya County got 741 slots, the majority going to Siaya Sub-county (154) and Bondo (118).

Meanwhile, Nairobi County received 685 vacancies, reflecting its high student population. Sub-counties like Embakasi North (57), Embakasi Central (51), and Makadara (45) were among the top allocations in the capital.

Smaller Allocations

Some counties received under 200 vacancies, reflecting their smaller student populations. These include:

• Isiolo – 87 slots

• Lamu – 95 slots

• Samburu – 124 slots

• Garissa – 139 slots

• Tana River – 169 slots

The recruitment drive is part of the government’s effort to bridge the teacher shortage gap, particularly in junior secondary schools where the demand has sharply risen under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).

Education stakeholders welcomed the distribution, noting that although the 24,000 vacancies are significant, they are still far below the national shortage, estimated at more than 100,000 teachers.

Parents, teachers, and unions have also urged TSC to ensure a transparent recruitment process that prioritizes merit, regional balance, and fairness to all applicants.

The recruitment exercise is expected to kick off immediately, with successful candidates reporting in the upcoming school term.