NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenya has unveiled a new plan to deploy its unemployed teachers abroad, a move expected to open global employment opportunities while positioning the country as a source of skilled educators in the international market.
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has introduced a new policy framework to guide the placement of qualified teachers in foreign schools through formal agreements with other governments and international education institutions.
The framework aims to address teacher unemployment, promote Kenya’s education standards globally, and create structured career pathways for educators seeking international exposure.
“The Commission will liaise with the Ministries of Labour and Social Security and Foreign Affairs to advocate for clear, fair and competitive terms for Kenyan teachers employed outside Kenya,” the policy document states.
According to TSC data, Kenya has registered more than 714,000 teachers, out of whom about 400,000 are on permanent and pensionable terms.
Nearly half remain unemployed or underemployed despite an internal shortage of over 130,000 teachers across public schools — particularly in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects.
Junior secondary schools currently face a deficit of 72,422 teachers, while senior secondary schools are short by 65,070, representing staffing gaps of 49 and 33 per cent respectively.
Under the new framework, TSC will establish a central database of qualified teachers willing to work abroad.
The list will be updated regularly and matched with international vacancies through government-to-government and institutional partnerships.
Their international experience will be recognised under the Recognition of Prior Learning (2021) framework.
The TSC also plans to offer pre-departure training for teachers taking up foreign assignments, covering contractual obligations, travel procedures, security, health, and cultural orientation.
Applicants must be Kenyan citizens, registered with TSC, and have clean professional records.
The Commission will verify qualifications and ensure job placements meet international standards, including fair pay, housing, insurance, and repatriation terms.
While the TSC did not disclose target countries, the document indicates that placements will be handled under bilateral labour export agreements and collaborations with international partners.
The move mirrors similar initiatives by other countries that have successfully exported skilled labour to meet global shortages while easing domestic unemployment pressures.
