Why Some Degree-Holding Teachers Are Banned from Secondary School Roles by TSC

Godfrey Gwako

3 months ago

Why Some Degree-Holding Teachers Are Banned from Secondary School Roles by TSC: Of all the professions in Kenya, teaching is the most popular. The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) of Kenya has over 300,000 educators on its payroll.

The TSC, an independent body under the Kenyan Constitution, oversees human resources in the education sector.

Teachers in Kenya fall into three categories: Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE), and Primary Education teachers. Those with diplomas and degrees in education teach in secondary schools.

Each category has distinct responsibilities and qualifications. This article focuses on secondary school teachers and their required qualifications.

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Qualifications needed to teach in secondary schools

As the teaching curriculum evolves, so do the qualifications. In 2024, the TSC updated the qualifications needed to teach in secondary schools.

TSC does not deploy or recruit degree holders with a KCSE mean grade of C- (minus). However, diploma holders with KCSE C (plain) and a degree can teach in secondary schools.

Here are the requirements for various education diplomas and degrees. The list includes programs for teaching visually and hearing-impaired students.

Diploma in Education

Minimum grade of C+ in KCSE
C+ in two subjects of specialization
At least C plain in English
C plain in Mathematics for science-based courses
D+ in Mathematics for non-science courses

Diploma in Education for Visually and Hearing Impaired

Minimum grade of C plain in KCSE
At least C minus in English
C minus in Mathematics for science-based courses
D plain in mathematics for non-science courses

Bachelor of Education

Minimum mean grade of C+ in KCSE or equivalent
C+ in two subjects of specialization

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science (for those interested)

Minimum grade of C+ in KCSE
C+ in two subjects of specialization

Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE)

For those transitioning into teaching roles. Some degree holders might not meet the KCSE mean grade requirement. TSC insists on a C+ grade, though some have lower grades.