Teaching Qualifications for Education Diploma and Degree Holders in Kenya
Teaching is one of the most prominent professions in Kenya, with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) estimating that the country has over 300,000 teachers.
The Kenyan Constitution established the Teachers Service Commission of Kenya as an independent commission to oversee human resources in the education sector.
In Kenya, 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 a unique set of responsibilities and required qualifications.
This article, however, focuses on secondary school teachers and the qualifications they must possess.
Although the teaching curriculum changes regularly, the qualifications also shift with time. In 2024, TSC has the updated qualifications required to teach in secondary schools.
Below, we outline the qualifications needed for various education diplomas and degrees, including specialized programs for teaching visually and hearing-impaired students.
Diploma in education:
- The minimum grade in KCSE is C+ and above.
- C+ in the two subjects of specialization
- At least C plain in English.
- C in Mathematics for science-based courses
- D+ in Mathematics for non-science-based courses
Diploma in education for the visually and hearing impaired:
- The minimum grade in KCSE is C Plain and above.
- At least C minus in English
- C in Mathematics for science-based courses
- D in Mathematics for non-science-based courses
Bachelor of Education:
- The minimum mean grade of C+ and above, or its equivalent
- C+ in two subjects of specialization
In Our Other News: KNEC Introduces Grade 9 Exam for Select Schools in June: Details
For those interested in a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science, the requirements are:
- The minimum grade in KCSE is C+ and above.
- C+ in the two subjects of specialization
The Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) is designed for individuals who aspire to transition into teaching roles.
While some degree holders may aspire to become secondary education teachers, the KCSE mean grade can sometimes be a limitation, as the TSC insists on a C+ grade, while some degree holders have below the required grade.
Teaching Qualifications for Education Diploma and Degree Holders in Kenya
