TSC Redeploys Educators Amid Push to Close Underperforming Schools
The Kenyan government is considering shutting down select schools flagged for persistent poor performance, with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) set to transfer affected teachers to other institutions.
Education Cabinet Secretary Migos Ogamba confirmed these plans on January 21, 2026, aiming to bolster educational standards nationwide.
The CS explained that Grade 9 students are given a choice of schools for Grade 10, and that the Ministry of Education only facilitates student placement. Schools that fail to receive sufficient student selections are at risk of closure.
“There would be no point in having a school with 10 children where you have a headmaster, you have a classroom, you have a watchman, you have a teacher. It doesn’t make sense,” he stated.
Reasons Behind School Closure Plans
The Ministry emphasised that national standards and learning outcomes will be maintained even as staff and students are reallocated.
CS Ogamba added that maintaining schools with very low enrolment is inefficient, as it entails operating costs for staff and facilities serving very few learners.
“Some schools are saying they have not received a single applicant. The policy is that students choose schools; the ministry does not choose schools for students.
If no student has chosen your school, what can the ministry do? There are things we must do differently. Some schools will have to be closed,” Ogamba stated.
Targeted schools face closure due to chronic underperformance in national exams and inadequate infrastructure.
This bold move seeks to redirect resources to viable institutions, preventing further waste on failing setups.
TSC’s transfers ensure teachers are not left jobless, maintaining workforce stability while addressing systemic education gaps.
Today’s news highlights how elite schools dominate choices, leaving others empty amid the Competency-Based Curriculum rollout. With Grade 10 reporting extended to January 21, 2026, low turnout around 70% in Nyanza signals uneven demand and infrastructure gaps. Government aims to devolve top schools to counties for balanced access.
TSC ensures no teacher losses by redeploying staff to viable schools via its portal, prioritizing minimal disruptions.
This responds directly to closure risks for non-performing or unpopular institutions flagged today. Affected educators track approvals online during holidays for smooth transitions.
Closures or mergers could decongest popular schools while creating “super schools” per ward, per Ogamba’s vision in fresh statements. Nyanza’s 129,443 admissions show progress, but nationwide 100% transition hinges on fee waivers and campaigns. Unions watch closely amid capitation assurances from PS Julius Bitok.