Teachers lament over missing out on latest recruitment

Amidst fierce competition and limited vacancies, many qualified educators continue to battle unemployment, their dreams of securing a stable job fading with each passing recruitment cycle.

This is after thousands of qualified tutors missed on another opportunity of recruitment which the majority hoped would change their pathway to opportunity.

On Wednesday, February 19, 2025, tutors attended a verification exercise conducted by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) with hope of changing their future.

“Following your application for TSC post-primary replacement, you are invited for document verification... Kindly come with all your documents, original and photocopy,” read a communication.

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However, reality soon set in for many. Pauline Koskei, a teacher who attended the exercise at Jean Marie Secondary School expressed deep disappointment after discovering that only one vacancy was available for 38 applicants in her zone.

“We missed the opportunity since only one position was available. A local was given priority,” she lamented.

She said this happens as the country continues to grapple with teacher shortages, particularly in Junior Secondary Schools, where many classrooms lack adequate staff for core subjects like mathematics and sciences.

“The commission has admitted a shortage of science teachers in our schools. I have what it takes in that area but I was locked out,” she stated.

Paul Lelei from Kajiado wants the commission to audit the process for accountability.

 “Let’s stop playing favoritism with the education of our children. How can the TSC prioritizing local applicants over experienced educators in the ongoing teacher recruitment,” he questioned.

“Why are seasoned graduates being passed over for freshers simply because of location? This reeks of nepotism and jeopardizes our children's education.”

Stephen Okello, a graduate from 2013, is one such teacher who has spent over a decade chasing a permanent position.

“When I graduated, I was almost 25 years old, and 12 years down the line, I am still looking for an opportunity with the commission,” he said.

His frustration is compounded by allegations of corruption in the recruitment process.

“Some of my colleagues graduated in 2013 and have secured employment with TSC. Even some who graduated two years ago. They told me they had to part with something ‘small’ to be absorbed,” Okello stated.

Anne Mumbi, a graduate from Asumbi Teachers Training College in 2012, has attended multiple interviews over the years, each one ending in disappointment.

“Every time there is a vacancy, TSC asks us to bring our certificates for verification. After the rigorous process, they say they will contact us. But years pass, and nothing happens,” she shared, her voice tinged with frustration.

“I believe ‘tarmacking’ is part of life, but when you spend more than 10 years, it becomes tiresome. Age is catching up with me, and I don’t know when I will be employed.”

These incidents are just some in a series of disappointments for thousands of job-seeking teachers who find themselves trapped in a cycle of unfulfilled ambitions.

In its latest recruitment drive, the TSC advertised 8,707 vacancies to replace teachers who exited the service through natural attrition. Despite this, the demand for jobs far outstripped the supply, leaving many qualified professionals stranded.

In December last year, the commission advertised 5,862 teachers’ vacancies in primary schools, 21 posts for junior schools while 2,824 were hired for post-primary schools in the latest recruitment drive.

This comes amidst demands from the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) Deputy Secretary General Moses Nthurima faulting the commission of poor distribution of vacancies for teachers.

“Some regions will continue to suffer if these criteria continue being implemented. Giving equal opportunities will disadvantage areas with a huge teacher shortage,” said Nthurima.

He said as the government struggles to address stubborn teacher shortages in school, equity should be used.

“About a third of Junior Secondary schools lack enough teachers making learning difficult. In addition, those who were employed early this year teach humanity and languages leaving a gap in Math and sciences,” he stated.

Beyond the individual stories of frustration, education experts argue that the issue stems from systemic failures in teacher training and recruitment policies.

Former Quality Assurance official Majani Baridi attributes the crisis to the unchecked mass training of teachers without corresponding job opportunities.

“The rain started beating us with the violation of training and recruitment policy. Right now, we have close to 600,000 trained, qualified, and unemployed teachers. If this is to go by, it means there are teachers who will never get employed,” he said.