Why Thousands of Kenyan Teachers Are Leaving Classrooms for Work Abroad

Kenya is facing a growing shortage of teachers as increasing numbers leave the profession for jobs abroad, prompting the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to recruit thousands of replacements.

Figures from the TSC show that more than 8,000 teachers left the payroll between June 2022 and January 2023 through resignations, attrition, or migration. In response, the commission advertised more than 9,000 vacancies in late 2025 to address staffing shortages in schools across the country.

Teachers have linked the departures to difficult working conditions, delayed promotions, and frequent policy changes. Many educators say the introduction of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) has increased workloads and placed additional pressure on schools. 

They argue that reforms were introduced too quickly, leaving teachers to handle overcrowded classrooms and new responsibilities without enough preparation or resources. Career stagnation has also affected morale within the profession. 

Data presented to Parliament showed that more than 178,000 teachers had remained in the same job groups for years because of limited funding. Former TSC chief executive Nancy Macharia said budget constraints had slowed promotions, leading to complaints from unions and contributing to staff losses. 

Many teachers now view overseas opportunities as offering clearer prospects for career growth. The TSC has introduced an international placement framework to support teachers seeking employment abroad. 

Chairperson Jamleck Muturi described the programme as a structured pathway for Kenyan teachers to work internationally, while Acting CEO Evaleen Mitei said it would help educators prepare for overseas employment and encourage professional exchange. 

Kenya has more than 714,000 registered teachers, although only about 400,000 are employed on permanent and pensionable terms. The United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia have become major destinations for Kenyan teachers. 

These countries offer higher pay, more stable career structures, and improved working conditions. However, many teachers say their decision to leave is also driven by burnout, uncertainty, and limited opportunities within Kenya’s education system.

Education stakeholders warn that the continued loss of experienced teachers could deepen staffing shortages, particularly in rural schools. They say the trend risks weakening the quality of teaching and learning if long-standing concerns within the profession remain unresolved.