“Some of the documents required from the applicants included their birth certificate, marriage certificate, property title deed, or electoral cards.
Upon successful application for an internship, candidates received a message instructing them to attend a brief meeting on August 8, 2023 (Tuesday) at Baraka Primary in Makadara, Buruburu Zone, starting at 9:00 AM. They were requested to bring original and well-defined copies of the following:
In addition to academic certificates, the ‘successful’ candidates were asked to bring two passport-sized colored photographs, a KRA pin certificate, a clear bank plate or ATM card, a properly filled pay point particulars form, NHIF card, NSSF card, primary and secondary school leaving certificates, and an original medical examination report.
Applicants were also required to provide a copy of their Personal Accident Insurance Cover, a clear graduation booklet with a cover page and the page displaying their names, an Affidavit (if there were differences in names or initials), a next of kin form downloaded from the TSC website and duly signed, their birth certificate, and National ID.
However, candidates were surprised when administrators, mostly assistant county commissioners (formerly D.Os), demanded evidence of birth in their respective sub-counties, property ownership, or voter status during the address.
The Standard was unable to immediately receive a response from TSC regarding these complaints.
Some of the rejected applicants expressed their disappointment after weeks of preparation, including obtaining the necessary requirements. One frustrated applicant, who has been seeking employment with TSC since graduating in 2016, said, “Imagine going through all this trouble to fulfill these requirements, including purchasing personal accident coverage… I bought one just yesterday.” This applicant requested anonymity due to fear of reprisal.
“It would have been more acceptable if we were not invited to submit these documents and sign internship letters,” the anonymous applicant added.
Another applicant called on TSC to clarify whether their recruitment process has taken a similar direction to security agencies, where only those born in specific regions are eligible to join the police, military, and other security entities.
“We thought this was primarily an invitation to sign the internship agreement following a successful verification stage (interview), but they turned us away,” another applicant stated.
Earlier, TSC had issued comprehensive recruitment guidelines for this process. Last month, the commission invited applications for 20,000 teacher internship positions. Of these, 18,000 intern teachers were to be assigned to junior secondary schools (JSS), while the remaining 2,000 would support the implementation of the new curriculum in primary schools.
Nancy Macharia, the Chief Executive Officer, mentioned that the application period was initially set for two weeks and was scheduled to close on July 18; however, it is still ongoing.
Successful Junior Secondary School candidates would be responsible for teaching various subjects under the curriculum and receive a monthly stipend of Sh20,000. Meanwhile, those teaching in primary school would earn Sh15,000.
Macharia emphasized that the internship program aims to equip and sustain the skills of individuals entering the teaching profession, with the contract lasting for a year.
“The program aims to assign unemployed registered teachers to educational institutions, where they can enhance their teaching experience through mentoring, coaching, and practical teaching exposure,” Macharia explained.
According to TSC, JSS teachers must hold a diploma in education with a minimum of C+ in two teaching subjects in KCSE. Those applying to teach in primary schools should possess a P1 Certificate.
Macharia indicated that the commission aims to employ at least 25,000 teachers annually for the next five years, subject to fund availability.”