Teaching is one of the most pursued courses in Kenya, and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) estimates that the country has over 300,000 teachers.

According to the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) data, the course attracted the highest number of applicants among the 2023 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) candidates.

TSC says to become a teacher in Kenya one has to meet some academic qualifications depending on the job category.

Teachers are categorized into three groups: Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE), Primary Education Teaching, and Diploma and Degree in Education.

Each group of these teachers has different responsibilities and required qualifications. TSC updates the qualifications every year to match the operating environment.

For those wishing to join teaching in 2024, TSC requires them to meet the following qualifications.

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Diploma in education

1. Minimum grade of C+ in KCSE and above
2. C+ (plus) in the two subjects of specialisation
3. At least C plain in English
4. C (plain) in Mathematics for science-based courses
5. D+ (plus) in Mathematics for non-science-based courses

Diploma in education for visually and hearing impaired

1. Minimum grade of C Plain in KCSE and above
2. At least C minus in English
3. C (minus) in Mathematics for science-based courses
4. D (plain) in Mathematics for non-science-based courses

Bachelor of education

1. Minimum mean grade of C+ (plus) and above or its equivalent
2. C+ (plus) in two subjects of specialisation

For those interested in a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science, the requirements are:

1. Minimum grade of C+ in KCSE and above
2. C+ (plus) in the two subjects of specialisation
3. Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) for those who wish to transition into teaching roles

Approved teaching combinations by the TSC for secondary schools

Sciences

1. Chemistry and Biology
2. Chemistry and Physics
3. Agriculture and Geography
4. Biology and Geography
5. Home Science and Biology
6. Physics and Computer
7. Agriculture and Biology
8. Agriculture and Chemistry

Languages

1. English and Literature
2. Kiswahili and CRE
3. Kiswahili and History
4. Kiswahili and Geography
5. German and Geography
6. German and CRE
7. Kiswahili and IRE
8. Kiswahili and Home science
9. Kiswahili and P.E.
10. French and Geography
11. French and Business Studies
12. French and CRE
13. French and History
14. Arabic and IRE
15. German and History

Mathematics

1. Mathematics and Business Studies
2. Mathematics and Geography
3. Mathematics and Computer
4. Mathematics and Chemistry
5. Mathematics and Biology
6. Mathematics and Physics

Humanities

1. Geography and CRE
2. History and CRE
3. Geography and History
4. Geography and IRE
5. History and IRE
6. History and P.E.
7. Geography and P.E.
8. Geography and Business Studies
9. Home Science and History
10. Home Science and CRE
11. Special Needs and P.E.
12. Music and P.E.

Technicals

1. Metal Work and Mathematics
2. Metal Work and Physics
3. Woodwork and Mathematics
4. Woodwork and Physics
5. Electricity and Mathematics
6. Electricity and Physics
7. Fine Arts and History Fine
8. Art and Geography
9. Art & Design and History
10. Art & Design and Geography
11. Kiswahili and Home science
12. Kiswahili and PE