Kenyan teachers undertaking in-service training could sit for examinations and earn certificates or diplomas under the proposals in the Pre-Service Education and In-Service Training Bill, 2026.
The Bill proposes the establishment of the Kenya School of Education (KSE), which would take charge of developing, evaluating and conducting in-service training programmes for teachers.
The School would work with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and government agencies to develop training programmes and evaluate those offered by the institution.
It would also work with the TSC, government agencies, the private sector and international organizations to conduct in-service training.
Teachers and other persons undertaking training at the School would sit examinations, while those who successfully complete their programmes would be awarded certificates and diplomas.
What the Kenya School of Education Will Do
The proposed KSE would be responsible for developing in-service training programmes in collaboration with the TSC and government agencies.
It would also evaluate the programmes offered by the School and work with government agencies, the private sector and international organizations to conduct in-service training.
The School would offer induction courses to newly appointed members of county education boards, boards of management and parents-teachers associations.
Its functions would also include offering consultancy and research services to support the development of policies and the provision of in-service training, promoting public awareness and advising the Cabinet Secretary on matters relating to in-service training.
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Training for Teachers Already in Service
For teachers already in service, the proposed law would establish a framework for continued professional development.
In-service training would cover not only classroom teachers but also education managers and school leaders.
The proposed professional development framework could also affect teacher licensing, as the reforms seek to make continuous training a formal part of a teacher’s professional career rather than treating qualification as the end of teacher preparation.
Under the proposed framework, people seeking registration as teachers would also be required to undertake pre-service education in accordance with the Teachers Service Commission Act, linking professional training directly to the process of becoming a registered teacher.
The Bill further provides that pre-service education would be offered in accordance with programmes, curricula and curriculum support materials developed by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development.
The Kenya National Educational Assessments Council(KNEAC) would assess students undertaking pre-service education and award certificates and diplomas to those who pass the assessments.
How the Kenya School of Education Will Be Managed
The Kenya School of Education would be managed by a Board of the School.
The Board would be chaired by a person appointed by the President and would include representatives from the State Department responsible for basic education, and the National Treasury.
It will also comprise the Attorney-General, the State Department responsible for intergovernmental relations, the Teachers Service Commission and the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD).
The Cabinet Secretary would also appoint three persons who are not public officers, while the chief executive officer of the School would serve as an ex-officio member without voting rights.
The chairperson and the three appointed members would serve for a term of three years and could be reappointed for one further term of three years, subject to satisfactory performance.
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The Board would administer the assets of the School and manage its funds, including opening and operating bank accounts.
It would also determine, in consultation with the Cabinet Secretary, the fees payable by persons undertaking in-service training at the School.
The Board would have the power to receive gifts, grants and donations and enter into partnerships or other linkages to support the work of the School.
It would also regulate the conduct and discipline of persons undertaking in-service training at the institution.
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