The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has unveiled proposals that could reshape teacher training requirements in Kenya, in a move aimed at expanding access to the profession and responding to the increasing demand for trained educators nationwide.
Under the proposed amendments to the TSC Code of Regulations for Teachers (CORT), the Commission plans to reduce the minimum entry grade for diploma teacher training programmes from the current KCSE mean grade of C+ (plus) to C (plain).
If approved, the reforms would mark a significant shift in teacher education policy, opening the door for more learners to join the teaching profession at a time when Kenya’s education sector continues to face staffing needs in various regions.
According to the draft regulations, anyone seeking registration as a teacher must still meet strict professional and ethical standards. These include demonstrating good moral character, holding relevant academic and professional qualifications from a recognised teacher training institution in Kenya, and fulfilling all registration conditions set by the Commission.
TSC says the proposed changes are part of wider efforts to make the profession more accessible, inclusive and aligned with the evolving needs of the country’s education system.
The revised entry requirements, if adopted, will affect a range of diploma teacher training programmes. These include the Diploma in Early Childhood Teacher Education (DECTE), Diploma in Early Childhood Development Education under the Montessori Curriculum, Diploma in Primary Teacher Education (DTE/DPTE), Diploma in Secondary Teacher Education (DSTE), Diploma in Technical Teacher Education (DTTE), Diploma in Special Needs Education (DSNE), and Diploma in Adult and Continuing Teacher Education (DACTE).
The proposed regulations also offer special consideration to persons living with disabilities. Applicants registered as persons with disabilities may qualify for selected programmes with a minimum KCSE mean grade of C- (minus), depending on specific course and subject requirements.
TSC announces promotion of 30,000 teachers
The Commission has further announced plans to promote more than 30,000 teachers before the end of 2026 as part of efforts to strengthen career growth within the public teaching service.
TSC Acting Chief Executive Officer Eveleen Mitei told the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Education that the promotions will be carried out once the National Treasury releases Sh2 billion allocated for the exercise in the 2026/2027 financial year.
Speaking at Bunge Towers on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, Mitei noted that the number of teachers promoted will largely depend on available vacancies created through retirements, resignations and other departures from service.
She also revealed that the Commission intends to confirm 20,000 intern teachers out of the current 44,000 into Permanent and Pensionable terms.
The intern teachers are expected to complete their mandatory two-year internship period by January 2027, after which they will be absorbed into permanent positions.
Mitei explained that TSC is unable to conduct further large-scale permanent recruitment while thousands of intern teachers are still awaiting confirmation, noting the need to maintain proper staffing structures and ensure smooth career progression within the teaching service.
She further disclosed that more than 100,000 teachers have been recruited in the last three years following increased government support.
Also Read: Alliance Girls principal on the spot over illegal school fees hike to Sh120,000
