In a move that signals the government’s commitment to strengthening the education sector and improving the welfare of young professionals, the National Treasury has officially announced plans to permanently absorb 20,000 intern teachers into the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) starting January 2026.
This announcement, made during the 2025/2026 national budget presentation, has been received with widespread praise and optimism from across the country.
For years, intern teachers have worked under temporary contracts with limited pay, often earning less than half the salary of their permanently employed counterparts. Many have voiced frustrations over prolonged job insecurity and the lack of clear pathways to full employment.
The decision to permanently absorb 20,000 intern teachers offers a new chapter for these professionals who have been holding the backbone of learning in many public schools—particularly in hard-to-reach and underserved areas.
It’s not just about a job; it’s about dignity, stability, and recognition of our work,” said an intern teacher posted in Turkana County. “Finally, we see hope on the horizon.”
This announcement comes after sustained pressure from teacher unions, civil society groups, and education stakeholders who have repeatedly urged the government to provide a long-term solution for intern teachers.
The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) and Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) have held numerous talks with education authorities demanding a permanent employment framework for these educators.
The Treasury’s confirmation that budgetary provisions have been made to support the absorption process has been described as a critical breakthrough in resolving a long-standing labor issue.
We commend the government for finally acting on this matter,” said a KNUT official. “These teachers have been instrumental in sustaining learning, especially as we roll out the Competency-Based Curriculum. Their permanent employment is long overdue.”
Beyond addressing welfare concerns, the decision is strategic in reinforcing the ongoing education reforms in Kenya. With the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) and the growing learner population in junior and senior secondary schools, the demand for qualified and experienced teachers has never been higher.
By integrating experienced intern teachers into the permanent workforce, the Ministry of Education is not only enhancing the quality of education but also ensuring continuity and consistency in curriculum delivery.