Hundreds of thousands of unemployed teachers are being targeted for jobs beyond Kenya’s borders as the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) rolls out a policy framework and guidelines for teacher engagement in international teaching jobs.
The Policy Framework and Guidelines for Teacher Engagement Outside Kenya seek to open up global opportunities for qualified teachers, address rising unemployment in the education sector, and position Kenya as a key source of professional educators worldwide.
According to TSC data, over 714,000 teachers have been registered by the commission. Of these, only about 400,000 are employed on permanent and pensionable terms, leaving nearly half without stable jobs. Ironically, the country still faces a teacher shortage of more than 130,000.
“This framework is not just an employment strategy but a comprehensive approach to professional development, cultural exchange, and international cooperation. It provides a structured pathway for Kenyan teachers to represent the country on the global stage and contribute to international education goals,” said TSC Chairperson Dr Jamleck Muturi.
Teachers Service Commission (TSC) Chairman Dr Jamleck Muturi.
Photo credit: Kevin Odit | Nation Media Group
This comes as the country continues to grapple with a shortage of teachers. Data from the TSC shows that junior secondary schools are short of 72,422 teachers, while senior secondary schools face a deficit of 65,070, translating to staffing gaps of nearly 49 per cent and 33 per cent, respectively. The shortage is most severe in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects.
Speaking in Mombasa late last month, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba put the overall shortage of teachers in basic education institutions at 137,500, noting that the Commission currently manages a workforce of 431,831 teachers, while 369,430 registered teachers remain outside its payroll.
According to the Commission, the policy’s objectives include promoting Kenya’s education standards globally, fostering bilateral cooperation in teacher exchange, and creating sustainable pathways for teachers’ professional mobility.
“The implementation of this policy will ensure that Kenyan teachers are equipped, supported and recognised internationally, enhancing their professional capabilities and promoting Kenya’s commitment to quality education worldwide. It underscores our dedication to fostering continuous growth and professional development, ensuring that every Kenyan teacher engaged internationally is a beacon of knowledge, competence and ethical teaching practice,” said TSC Acting CEO Evaleen Mitei.
Teachers Service Commission Acting CEO Evaleen Mitei.
Photo credit: File | Nation
The framework outlines plans to establish an updated database of teachers available for international engagement and to match them with relevant opportunities abroad.
Under the new guidelines, teachers employed on permanent and pensionable terms who choose to work abroad will be required to resign from their current positions before taking up international jobs. However, they will be eligible to reapply for TSC positions upon their return, with their overseas experience recognised under the Recognition of Prior Learning (2021) framework.
“The Commission will liaise with the Ministries of Labour and Social Security and Foreign Affairs to advocate for clear, fair and competitive terms and conditions of service for Kenyan teachers employed outside Kenya,” reads the policy.
It adds: “The Commission will advocate for standardised contracts detailing all aspects of service, including salary, working hours, benefits, housing, insurance and repatriation terms, in line with international best practices.”
The TSC also plans to introduce pre-departure training and orientation sessions covering security, medical and travel guidance, contractual obligations and cultural awareness to prepare teachers for their new environments.
“The Commission will fill these vacancies to ensure teaching and learning are not interrupted. Upon their return, teachers are not guaranteed re-employment but will be eligible to apply for vacancies as they arise. The experiences gained will be integrated into their professional development plans and career progression pathways within the Commission,” the policy states.
To qualify for international engagement, a teacher must be a Kenyan citizen registered with the TSC, possess the requisite professional qualifications, and demonstrate good conduct and performance records. The Commission will conduct a rigorous selection process that includes screening, verification of qualifications, and matching candidates with suitable vacancies abroad based on experience and specialisation.
In collaboration with relevant State agencies, the Commission also aims to establish formal relations with equivalent teacher management institutions abroad and to work closely with host institutions to ensure that employment terms meet both parties’ expectations and standards.
However, the framework does not specify the countries where Kenyan teachers will be deployed. It notes that the Commission will work with foreign governments, international schools and organisations through bilateral and government-to-government agreements.
“The Commission will consider placing teachers in international teaching jobs through the implementation of Government-to-Government labour export initiatives. It will collaborate with relevant Government agencies and international partners to facilitate placement and support for teachers under this programme,” reads the policy.
