The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has officially released the confirmation schedule for serving Junior Secondary School (JSS) interns who were recruited in November 2024 and reported to schools in January 2025.
This confirmation plan will run alongside the recruitment of new JSS interns for January 2026, meaning both confirmation and new hiring will take place side-by-side.
Related Reading: Comprehensive Guide to TSC August 2025 Job Vacancies
Below is a detailed breakdown of what every JSS intern and aspiring teacher needs to know about this important TSC announcement.
Why This Matters for Current JSS Interns
For many teachers, transitioning from internship to Permanent and Pensionable (PNP) terms marks a career-defining milestone. This move ensures job security, pension benefits, and better pay.
TSC has emphasized that the current interns’ one-year contracts will legally end in January 2026. There will be no extension of internship terms, which means:
- Confirmation will happen before new interns take up slots.
- The process will involve document verification, payroll data capture, and issuance of PNP appointment letters.
- Salary adjustments will follow immediately after confirmation, with arrears (if any) processed.
This change ensures a smooth staffing transition in Kenya’s Junior Secondary Schools without leaving any gaps.
Month-by-Month TSC Confirmation Timeline for Current JSS Interns
The table below outlines the official TSC calendar from August 2025 to January 2026 for serving JSS interns.
| Month | Activity for Current Serving JSS Interns |
|---|---|
| Aug 2025 | Continue teaching as normal – no major TSC activity yet. |
| Sep–Oct 2025 | Prepare documentation for payroll capture and verification. |
| Nov 2025 | TSC issues Payroll Data Capture notice — submit ID, KRA PIN, NHIF card, bank details, KCSE certificate, academic transcripts, and teaching credentials. |
| Dec 2025 | Document verification and possible in-person vetting at sub-county level. |
| Jan 6, 2026 | Internship officially ends (1-year term complete). |
| Jan 2026 (Week 1–3) | Conversion to PNP — appointment letters issued, payroll processing starts. |
| Jan 2026 (End) | First PNP salary processed (including any pending arrears). |
How Current JSS Interns Should Prepare for Confirmation
If you are a serving JSS intern, start preparing now to avoid last-minute delays or disqualification:
- Have All Documents Ready — Valid national ID, KRA PIN, NHIF card, KCSE and academic certificates, TSC registration certificate, and updated bank details.
- Ensure Consistency — Your name and personal details should match across all documents.
- Act Fast on Notices — Submit information promptly when TSC calls for payroll capture or vetting.
- Keep Copies — Maintain personal copies of all submitted paperwork for future reference.
Recruitment of New JSS Interns for January 2026
While confirmation is ongoing, TSC will also be hiring around 24,000 new JSS interns to join in January 2026. This parallel process ensures continuity in teaching services.
New JSS Intern Recruitment Timeline
| Month | Activity |
|---|---|
| Aug 2025 | TSC advertises ~24,000 new JSS intern slots for January 2026. |
| Sep–Oct 2025 | Application window open, shortlisting, interviews, and sub-county vetting. |
| Nov 2025 | Recruitment results announced by TSC. |
| Dec 2025 | Appointment letters prepared for new interns. |
| Jan 6, 2026 | New interns report to schools for their internship year. |
| Jan 2026 (Week 1–3) | Orientation and deployment of new interns. |
| Jan 2026 (End) | First stipend processed. |
Key Takeaways from TSC’s Announcement
- Priority to current interns — Confirmation before new recruits report.
- Both processes overlap between August 2025 and January 2026.
- No internship extensions beyond January 2026 for current interns.
- Large-scale hiring — Over 24,000 internship slots for new entrants.
Possible Challenges and Solutions
- Delayed Document Submission
✅ Start preparing your paperwork now — don’t wait for the TSC notice. - Name Mismatches on Documents
✅ Correct errors with relevant government agencies before November 2025. - Unexpected TSC Process Changes
✅ Keep monitoring the TSC website, reputable teacher platforms, and news sources like KenyanTeachers.com.
What This Means for the Teaching Profession
This dual approach of confirmations and new hires is designed to:
- Prevent teaching gaps in JSS.
- Provide permanent terms to experienced interns.
- Open the door for thousands of new teachers to enter the profession.
The January 2026 intake will be among the largest in Kenya’s teaching history, reflecting the government’s push to strengthen CBC implementation in Junior Secondary Schools.
Final Word
The TSC 2025–2026 confirmation and recruitment plan brings hope and career stability for current JSS interns while creating opportunities for thousands of aspiring teachers.
If you are a current intern — prepare your documents, verify your details, and stay alert for TSC updates.
If you are an aspiring JSS intern — August 2025 will be your chance to apply for one of the largest recruitment waves in recent years.
Tip: For a full guide on qualifications, requirements, and step-by-step application instructions, check our Comprehensive Guide to TSC August 2025 Job Vacancies.
[…] Additionally, TSC recently confirmed timelines for JSS intern confirmations, giving clarity to thousands of teachers waiting for permanent and pensionable opportunities. See our full guide here: TSC 2025–2026 JSS Intern Confirmation Timeline. […]
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