The Kenyan government has confirmed plans to hire 24,000 new teachers by January 2026, marking one of the largest single recruitment drives in recent years. The announcement was made by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, who emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing the persistent teacher shortage in public schools nationwide.
This move comes amid sustained pressure from teachers’ unions, parents, and education experts over overcrowded classrooms and an overstretched teaching workforce. According to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), Kenya continues to face a teacher deficit exceeding 100,000, a challenge that has undermined the quality of education, particularly in remote and marginalized regions.
Why the Government Plans to Hire 24,000 Teachers
Kenya’s education system remains under significant strain due to several interrelated factors:
- Overcrowded classrooms: In many schools, pupil-teacher ratios reach as high as 60:1, limiting individualized attention and learning outcomes.
- Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) implementation: The CBC requires more personalized, learner-centered instruction, which demands a larger and better-distributed teaching workforce.
- Increased enrollment: Policies promoting free primary and subsidized secondary education have significantly raised student numbers, further stretching existing resources.
The recruitment of 24,000 teachers is part of a broader three-year initiative that has already seen 76,000 teachers employed since 2023. With this next phase, the government aims to have hired 100,000 teachers by January 2026—a milestone described as historic by CS Ogamba.
Where the Teachers Will Be Deployed
CS Ogamba stated that deployment will prioritize areas with the most acute shortages:
- Secondary schools, particularly those facing subject-specific gaps in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
- Rural and marginalized counties, where teacher attrition and absenteeism have long undermined educational access.
- Schools implementing the CBC at the junior secondary level, though the focus remains on broader secondary education staffing needs.
The Teachers Service Commission will oversee the recruitment process, with official advertisements and application guidelines expected in the coming months.
President Ruto’s Role and Political Reactions
President William Ruto has been central to the government’s education staffing agenda. During the 2025 Labour Day celebrations, he announced Sh2.4 billion allocated to hire 20,000 intern teachers starting January 2026, in addition to Sh1.6 billion for teacher training and Sh1 billion for promotions.
While the administration has been praised for increasing budgetary allocations to education, the timing of the announcement has sparked political debate. Critics, including opposition leaders, have accused President Ruto of “politicizing teachers” ahead of the 2027 general elections, suggesting the move is designed to win favor with a key voting bloc.
However, others view the recruitment as a long-overdue response to years of underinvestment and systemic neglect in the education sector. Some analysts argue that while political motives may exist, the tangible benefits for students and teachers should not be dismissed.
Reaction from Teachers’ Unions
Teachers’ unions have responded with cautious optimism:
- The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) welcomed the recruitment but urged the government to ensure a transparent, merit-based selection process free from political interference.
- The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) called for improved remuneration, continuous professional development, and adequate support systems for new hires to succeed in challenging environments.
Union leaders emphasized that while 24,000 new teachers represent significant progress, the figure still falls far short of the estimated 100,000 needed to fully address the national shortage.
What This Means for Kenyan Students
If implemented effectively, the recruitment drive could lead to:
- A reduction in pupil-teacher ratios, enhancing the quality of instruction and student engagement.
- Stronger delivery of the CBC, which relies on smaller class sizes and interactive teaching methods.
- Greater equity in education access, especially in underserved regions where qualified teachers have been scarce.
The Road Ahead
The recruitment of 24,000 teachers by January 2026 is a critical step toward stabilizing Kenya’s education system. However, experts caution that sustained investment, fair deployment, and long-term planning are essential to meet future demands.
The government has pledged to work closely with TSC, teacher unions, and education stakeholders to ensure the process is credible, inclusive, and focused on merit.
As Kenya prepares for this major hiring exercise, all eyes will be on the Teachers Service Commission to deliver a transparent and efficient recruitment cycle that upholds professionalism and public trust.
👉 Key Takeaway: While the teacher recruitment announcement has ignited political debate, it represents a pivotal opportunity to strengthen Kenya’s education sector. If executed with integrity and consistency, the addition of 24,000 teachers could significantly improve learning outcomes for millions of students nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. When will the 24,000 teachers be recruited in Kenya?
The recruitment of 24,000 teacher interns for Junior Secondary Schools (Grades 7–9) is already underway. The application window opened on August 26, 2025, and closed on September 9, 2025. Successful candidates are expected to be deployed by January 2026. (citizen+2)
2. Who will be prioritized in the new teacher recruitment?
Priority will be given to:
- Junior Secondary Schools (JSS), specifically Grades 7–9, under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and Technical subjects, with a historical preference for science and technical teacher combinations during recruitment.
- Rural and marginalized counties, where teacher shortages are most acute.
- Local applicants are prioritized over non-local candidates during the vetting process. (arena+2)
3. How big is the teacher shortage in Kenya?
Kenya faces a teacher shortage of over 100,000. The recruitment of 24,000 interns is part of a broader plan to hire 40,000 teachers by 2026, including 16,000 additional hires after January 2026. However, this will still leave a significant gap in staffing needs nationwide. (newsflash)
4. How can one apply for the new TSC teacher jobs?
Applications for the 24,000 intern positions were submitted online via the TSC portals: www.tsc.go.ke or teachersonline.tsc.go.ke, under the “Careers” section. The deadline was September 9, 2025. Future recruitment will follow a similar digital process, requiring:
- A copy of TSC registration certificate.
- National ID.
- KRA PIN.
- Passport-sized photos.
- NCPWD card (for persons with disabilities). (pulselive)
5. What is the impact of hiring 24,000 teachers on education?
The recruitment is expected to:
- Reduce overcrowding in Junior Secondary Schools.
- Improve the delivery of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), which requires more individualized instruction.
- Address critical subject gaps, especially in STEM.
- Provide professional development opportunities for unemployed teachers through a 12-month internship with a monthly stipend of Ksh. 20,000. (opportunitiesforyoungkenyans)
References
Related Article: TSC Opportunities for Kenyans August 2025
