Teacher job seekers have been put on notice that employment letters cannot legally come from politicians, with the Teachers Service Commission insisting that only its officials can make appointments.
The commission issued the clarification on August 27, 2026, following remarks attributed to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula that President William Ruto gives TSC employment letters to MPs for onward distribution to job seekers.
TSC dismissed the remarks, saying they do not reflect how teacher recruitment is carried out and could mislead members of the public.
“The Commission wishes to clarify that the statement is not true and is misleading,” TSC said in a circular signed by Acting Commission Secretary and CEO Evaleen Mitei.
The commission said the power to recruit and employ registered teachers is directly assigned to it under the Constitution, leaving no room for the President or legislators to issue appointment letters on its behalf.
TSC referred to Article 237(2)(b), which states that the commission shall “recruit and employ registered teachers.”
It further cited Regulations 55 and 56 of the TSC Code of Regulations for Teachers, 2015, which set out the commission’s role in recruiting teachers and making offers of employment.
“Accordingly, all TSC employment letters are issued by the Teachers Service Commission in accordance with the law and applicable recruitment guidelines,” the commission said.
TSC also directly addressed claims that MPs have been receiving employment letters which they allegedly pass on to constituents seeking teaching jobs.
“Neither the President nor Members of Parliament have the mandate to issue TSC employment letters,” the commission said.
The issue has attracted attention amid allegations that some MPs have turned teacher recruitment into a money-making venture, with claims that job seekers have allegedly been asked for as much as Sh400,000 for employment opportunities.
The claims have prompted calls from MPs and other stakeholders for evidence showing whether legislators have been receiving teacher appointment letters for distribution to constituents.
TSC said its recruitment process is available through its online platform, where qualified teachers can apply for advertised vacancies and follow their applications through the recruitment process until appointment.
Applicants are not required to deliver hard-copy applications, according to the commission. It also makes clear that “no payments” are required when applying for advertised teaching positions.
The commission said it would continue to enforce procedures meant to ensure teacher recruitment is conducted within the law.
“The Commission remains committed to transparency, fairness and integrity in the recruitment and employment of teachers,” TSC said