TSC Seeks Sh423 Billion Budget for 2026/27, Targets Hiring of 16,000 Teachers

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has proposed a Sh422.95 billion budget for the 2026/2027 financial year, marking a significant rise from the Sh387.2 billion approved for the current year.

The commission says the increased funding will help tackle the persistent teacher shortage and support key reforms in Kenya’s public education system.

Recruitment of 16,000 Teachers

In its Budget Policy Statement presented to Parliament’s education committee on February 18, 2026, TSC outlined plans to recruit 16,000 additional teachers for Junior and Senior Schools. The exercise is expected to cost about Sh1.9 billion.

According to the commission, the move is meant to reduce the teacher gap that has continued to affect learning in many public schools.

TSC noted that over the past three financial years, it has already hired 100,000 teachers under the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformative Agenda (BETA), which aimed to clear a national shortage of 116,000 teachers.

Intern Teachers to Get Permanent Jobs

Beyond new recruitment, the commission plans to confirm 20,000 intern teachers to permanent and pensionable terms at an estimated cost of Sh7.2 billion. The transition is expected to improve job security for thousands of educators currently serving on an internship.

Teachers in primary schools, secondary schools, and teacher training colleges are also set to benefit from a Sh2 billion promotion programme.

Focus on CBC Training

To support the rollout of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), TSC has proposed Sh1.5 billion for retooling teachers in Junior and Senior Schools.

The commission plans to train about 70,000 teachers every year during the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) period. Additional training will be conducted through the School-Based Teacher Support System and live-streamed lessons funded by the World Bank.

CBA Implementation and Health Cover

The second phase of the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) is scheduled for implementation for Sh8.4 billion, a move that will directly affect teachers’ salaries and allowances.

On healthcare, TSC confirmed that more than 400,000 teachers and nearly one million dependents have been registered under the Social Health Authority (SHA) universal health coverage programme.

However, the commission warned that the proposed Sh16.5 billion medical allocation may not be sufficient due to the rising number of teachers joining the service.

Funding Gaps Raise Concern

TSC also highlighted several critical areas that currently lack funding. These include group life insurance, personal accident cover, and Work Injury Benefits Act (WIBA) insurance for teachers, which together require about Sh5.3 billion.

Additionally, the commission is seeking an extra Sh700 million to support operations of its regional, county, and sub-county offices, saying current allocations do not match growing infrastructure and operational demands.

Planned Changes in Junior Schools

A major policy shift is also in the pipeline, with TSC proposing the creation of new administrative positions in Junior Schools. The plan includes appointing Heads of Institutions and their deputies, a move that will require additional funding for salaries, training, recruitment, and possibly expanded school infrastructure.

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The commission admitted the proposal could face opposition from teacher unions and some primary school heads.

Acting Teachers Still Unpaid

Finally, TSC raised concerns over teachers serving in acting administrative roles without receiving acting allowances. The commission noted that despite a clear policy framework introduced in 2017, no funds have been set aside to compensate affected teachers.