The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) of Kenya has announced that it will begin a new teacher recruitment exercise in November. TSC Chairperson Dr. Jamleck Muturi made the announcement at St. Mary’s Kiangima High School in Embu County, stating that the process will be conducted independently and in accordance with the law. The commission's response comes after recent allegations of corruption and political interference in the recruitment process.
Dr. Muturi dismissed claims that some Members of Parliament had received batches of teacher appointment letters for distribution to constituents. He stated that the commission does not issue appointment letters to politicians and that recruitment decisions are made through an established process. According to Muturi, vacancies are first advertised, after which eligible candidates apply and undergo interviews before successful applicants are appointed.
The allegations of corruption and political interference were made by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula in August 2026. Wetang’ula claimed that some MPs received batches of TSC appointment letters at State House and that the letters were subsequently distributed or sold to jobseekers. He further alleged that some applicants were being charged between Ksh.150,000 and Ksh.400,000 to secure teaching positions.
Dr. Muturi urged members of the public with concerns about the recruitment process to visit recruitment centres and observe how the exercise is conducted. He emphasized that the commission operates independently under its constitutional mandate and that recruitment, employment, and appointment of teachers fall within the commission's mandate under Article 237 of the Constitution.
The TSC chairperson explained that the commission's independence is guaranteed by the Constitution, which allows it to work without external influence. Muturi stated that the commission is committed to transparency and accountability in the recruitment process, and that it will not tolerate any form of corruption or interference.
The announcement of the new recruitment exercise is expected to bring relief to thousands of jobseekers who are eager to join the teaching profession. The TSC has a critical role in ensuring that the education sector is staffed with qualified and competent teachers, and the commission's efforts to ensure transparency and accountability in the recruitment process are crucial to achieving this goal.
The commission's efforts to promote transparency and accountability in the recruitment process are ongoing. Dr. Muturi encouraged members of the public to report any instances of corruption or irregularities in the recruitment process, and to provide feedback on how the commission can improve its services. The TSC is expected to continue playing a critical role in shaping the education sector in Kenya.
Key points
- The Teachers Service Commission will begin a new teacher recruitment exercise in November.
- The commission has dismissed allegations of corruption and political interference in the recruitment process.
- The TSC operates independently under its constitutional mandate, and recruitment decisions are made through an established process.
