TSC Subject Combinations That Qualify for Employment in Kenya

Securing a teaching job with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) in Kenya requires more than just a degree or diploma in education. One of the most critical factors is having the right subject combination that aligns with the Secondary School Curriculum. Every year, thousands of trained teachers apply for employment, but many are disqualified simply because their subject combinations do not meet the TSC standards.

In this article, we take a detailed look at the subject combinations recognized by the Teachers Service Commission for employment, why they matter, and what aspiring teachers should consider when choosing their training paths. We also connect this discussion to recent TSC reforms such as recruitment guidelines banning some degrees, the 2025 transfer application process, and the new JSS intern score sheet that all teachers must understand.

Why Subject Combinations Matter

When TSC advertises vacancies, applicants are shortlisted based on their training in two teaching subjects. These must match examinable subjects in the secondary school curriculum and must have been studied at both KCSE level and at the university or teacher training college. To qualify, a candidate should have covered at least eight course units per subject, in addition to Special Methods and Teaching Practice.

This requirement ensures that teachers are competent in their teaching areas and can effectively deliver content to learners. Without the right subject combination, even qualified graduates cannot be absorbed into TSC despite holding valid degrees. This makes it critical for prospective teachers to plan carefully when choosing subject combinations in their Bachelor of Education or Diploma in Education programs.

Approved TSC Subject Combinations in Kenya

Below are some of the common subject combinations accepted by the Commission. Teachers trained in these areas are highly considered during recruitment:

1. Languages

• English and Literature – Must have adequate units in both Language and Literature.
• Kiswahili and History – Fully recognized.
• Kiswahili and Geography – Accepted.
• Kiswahili and CRE – Accepted.
• Kiswahili and IRE – Accepted.

2. Sciences

• Mathematics and Physics – A strong combination highly demanded in schools.
• Mathematics and Chemistry – Also very marketable.
• Biology and Chemistry – One of the most common combinations.
• Physics and Chemistry – Accepted.

3. Humanities

• History and CRE – Widely accepted.
• Geography and History – Accepted.
• CRE and IRE – Accepted.
• Geography and CRE – Recognized.

4. Technical and Applied Subjects

• Business Studies and Mathematics – Marketable combination.
• Agriculture and Biology – Strong in rural-based schools.
• Home Science and Biology – Accepted.
• Computer Studies and Mathematics – Increasingly demanded with CBC.

These are just a few examples, and the full list is provided by the TSC in their official guidelines. Teachers are advised to regularly check the Commission’s website or official circulars to confirm the latest accepted combinations, especially as the education sector continues to evolve under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).

Combinations That Are Not Accepted

Not every combination guarantees employment. In fact, some combinations have been blacklisted because they do not align with examinable subjects in secondary schools. For example:

• English and CRE is not accepted because English is paired only with Literature.
• Business and Geography is not considered marketable since both subjects are from different clusters without strong curriculum alignment.
• Computer Studies and Agriculture is not recognized.

Choosing such unapproved combinations often results in teachers being locked out of TSC recruitment, forcing them to work in private schools or look for alternative careers. This highlights why it is crucial to confirm TSC-accepted combinations before selecting teaching subjects at the university level.

TSC Employment Opportunities and Competition

Every year, TSC advertises thousands of vacancies for permanent and pensionable teachers, as well as internship opportunities for Junior Secondary School (JSS) and secondary school teachers. However, competition remains stiff. Even with the right subject combination, teachers need to score highly on the TSC recruitment score sheet to secure employment.

For example, in the recently released 2025 JSS intern score sheet, points are awarded based on academic qualifications, teaching practice performance, and year of graduation. Having an approved subject combination gives a candidate an edge, but other factors such as professional conduct, co-curricular involvement, and compliance with TSC guidelines also matter.

Impact of the 2025 Recruitment Guidelines

In August 2025, the Commission issued new rules under TSC recruitment guidelines banning some degrees. Graduates with degrees that do not align with teaching subjects, such as Bachelor of Science in Communication and Journalism or Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, are no longer considered for registration as teachers. This move reinforces the importance of pursuing education-specific degrees with the correct subject combinations.

It also means that prospective teachers must be more intentional in course selection. Universities and colleges are equally urged to guide students into choosing TSC-approved subject pairings early enough to avoid disappointments at the recruitment stage.

Teacher Transfers and Subject Combinations

Teachers with rare subject combinations often enjoy a higher chance of securing transfers when they apply through the TSC portal. For instance, a Physics–Chemistry teacher working in a hardship area may find it easier to request relocation since demand for science teachers is high countrywide.

The recently launched digital transfer system has further simplified this process, allowing teachers to submit applications online and track progress in real time. Having a highly demanded subject combination increases the chances of a transfer request being approved quickly because receiving schools are often in urgent need of such teachers.

Challenges Facing Teachers With Unpopular Combinations

Teachers who pursued combinations such as Geography–Business or English–CRE face significant challenges in getting absorbed into TSC. Many end up working in private schools or venturing into non-teaching careers. Some even go back to universities to add another subject combination that aligns with TSC requirements.

This underscores the importance of proper career guidance. High school graduates choosing education degrees must consult widely and understand TSC policies before committing to a subject combination.

The Way Forward for Aspiring Teachers

For students currently in secondary school and planning to become teachers, the best strategy is to align your subject strengths with TSC-approved combinations. Those already pursuing education degrees should double-check their program structure to ensure compliance. If in doubt, reach out to TSC or your faculty to confirm your combination’s viability.

As Kenya continues implementing CBC, there is a growing demand for science, technology, and applied subject teachers. Combinations like Mathematics–Computer Studies, Biology–Agriculture, and Physics–Mathematics will continue to be highly marketable in the coming years.

Conclusion

The Teachers Service Commission remains the largest employer of teachers in Kenya, but the gateway to employment starts with having the right subject combination. Without it, even the best degree certificate may not guarantee recruitment.

Aspiring teachers should therefore choose wisely, keep updated with policy changes, and consider market demand when selecting their combinations. Linking this with ongoing reforms such as recruitment guidelines, the transfer application system, and JSS internship score sheets makes it clear that subject combinations are at the heart of TSC’s employment criteria.