TSC Teachers Selection Criteria for International Placement

TSC Teachers Selection Criteria for International Placement.

The government has introduced a policy framework and guidelines to facilitate job opportunities for Kenyan teachers in at least 17 foreign countries. This initiative aims to address the high unemployment rate among teachers in Kenya.

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) CEO, Nancy Macharia, indicated that the policy was developed following requests by foreign governments seeking Kenyan teachers.

The demand is particularly high in the USA, Ireland, and Germany for English teachers, while South Africa has a need for Kiswahili educators. Other regions include Thailand, Middle East countries, and additional destinations targeting Kenyan teaching expertise.

As of May 2024, TSC had 714,234 registered teachers, of whom 360,000 were permanently employed. The new export plan targets 354,234 unemployed teachers.

Specific countries such as Kuwait, Japan, and the UAE are seeking special needs education teachers, while Qatar requires educators in Islamic religious education and sciences.

In addition, Kiswahili teachers are in demand in China, France, Botswana, and Japan. English teachers are sought in France, Canada, Vietnam, Taiwan, South Korea, Russia, Spain, China, and the UAE.

These placements will be facilitated through government-to-government labour export programs, with TSC collaborating with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Labour to explore opportunities.

Selection and Qualification Requirements

The selection criteria for international teaching jobs will focus on essential skills, qualifications, and experiences. To qualify, applicants must be Kenyan citizens with an education degree, diploma, or certificate from a recognized institution and meet TSC registration requirements.

They must also comply with Chapter Six of the Constitution and any additional conditions set by host countries, such as language proficiency, specialized training, or professional certifications.

The TSC will work with relevant ministries to provide orientation programs for selected teachers. These sessions will address issues like security, medical support, transportation, terms of engagement, remuneration, cultural sensitivity, and language skills specific to the host country.

The commission advocates for standardized contracts outlining salary, work hours, benefits, housing, insurance, and repatriation terms.

Teachers on permanent and pensionable terms must resign from their TSC positions before taking up international roles, with no guarantee of re-employment upon their return. Vacancies left behind will be filled to ensure uninterrupted learning in schools.

In July, some Kenyan teachers secured teaching jobs in the US through a placement agency, although this was not a government initiative. The policy framework aims to formalize such engagements, protecting teachers’ interests and ensuring fair, competitive terms and conditions of service.

Database and Monitoring Systems

To streamline the placement process, TSC will establish an updated database of Kenyan teachers available for international employment.

This database will include personal details, academic qualifications, areas of expertise, and relevant job requirements for each host country. It will also support real-time data entry, analysis, and reporting.

A standardized application process will enable teachers to submit their credentials and express interest in international teaching opportunities. The database will incorporate a feedback mechanism to improve the process, with the policy framework reviewed every three years or as needed.

Benefits and Controversies

The policy document emphasizes that international teaching opportunities provide Kenyan teachers with valuable professional growth, exposure to diverse educational systems, and enhanced teaching methodologies.

Additionally, remittances from teachers working abroad will support families and boost Kenya’s foreign exchange earnings.

Despite these benefits, critics argue that the government should prioritize local job creation to address Kenya’s teacher shortage. In October 2024, TSC advertised 46,000 vacancies but received 314,117 applications, highlighting the challenge of absorbing all qualified teachers.

President William Ruto’s administration has made labour migration a key pillar of its job creation strategy. However, concerns remain over potential exploitation in low-level jobs, particularly in the Middle East. Nevertheless, the policy aims to foster global educational cooperation and lifelong learning for Kenyan teachers venturing into the international labour market.

TSC Teachers Selection Criteria for International Placement.