Prospective teachers will be required to undergo mandatory pre-service training and meet new minimum academic qualifications before being admitted to teacher training programmes.
The proposed Pre-Service Education and In-Service Training Bill, 2026 requires anyone seeking registration as a teacher to formally undertake pre-service education in accordance with the Teachers Service Commission Act.
Applicants seeking a Diploma in Primary Teacher Education will be required to have a minimum Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) mean grade of C plain or its equivalent under the senior school system.
Those seeking a Diploma in Secondary Teacher Education will require a mean grade of C plain and at least C+ in their respective teaching subjects.
New Entry Requirements Proposed for Aspiring Teachers
Applicants for a Diploma in Special Needs Teacher Education will require a minimum mean grade of C plain, while those pursuing a Diploma in Technical Teacher Education will need C plain and at least C+ in science, technology, engineering or mathematics teaching subjects.
The proposed requirements will also provide an alternative entry route for persons with disabilities, who may be admitted to the diploma programmes with a minimum KCSE mean grade of C-.
“An applicant who is a person living with disability may be admitted for education to acquire any of the qualifications in the first column if the applicant has attained a mean grade of “C” minus in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education or an equivalent in senior school,” reads part of the bill.
Applicants holding certificates in technical subject areas from recognized colleges will also be considered for admission to pre-service teacher training.
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Curriculum Development
According to the Bill, the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) will be responsible for developing teacher training programmes, curricula and learning materials.
The Kenya National Educational Assessments Council will conduct national assessments and award certificates and diplomas.
Cabinet Secretary for Education, in consultation with the Teachers Service Commission, will also be required to establish and implement structured in-service training programmes for teachers and education managers.
Teacher training colleges will be required to obtain registration from their respective county education boards before they can operate. Operating an unregistered teacher training college or providing education management services to one will be a criminal offence under the proposed law.
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On the other hand, County education boards will be required to consider applications and issue either a certificate of registration or a written decision giving reasons for rejection within 30 days.
Applicants who are dissatisfied with a board’s decision will have 14 days to request a review by the county education board. They will also have 30 days to appeal the decision before the Education Appeals Tribunal.
Where to Study
The Bill also provides for different institutions where prospective teachers can undertake their pre-service training.
These include universities, Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutions, national polytechnics, technical and vocational colleges, technical trainer colleges and the proposed Kenya Teachers Training College.
This would allow prospective teachers to undertake their training through different recognized institutions rather than being limited to one type of college.
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