Teachers With PTE Will Not Be Employed By TSC Starting January Next Year.Â
Teachers With PTE Will Not Be Employed By TSC Starting January Next Year. TSC Ends P1 Certification: Diploma Now Mandatory for Teachers.
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has announced that starting 2025, the Primary Teachers Certificate (PTE), popularly known as the P1 program, will no longer be recognized for teacher recruitment. This decision marks a major shift in Kenya’s education system and aligns with ongoing reforms in teacher training.
According to TSC, the minimum qualification for teacher training will now be a Diploma in Education. Aspiring teachers must have attained a minimum grade of C plain in their KCSE, with at least D+ in Mathematics and C– in English.
The commission’s proposal follows recommendations from the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms. These changes aim to equip teachers with the necessary skills to implement the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) effectively, ensuring a higher standard of teaching in schools.
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For current P1 certificate holders, the TSC encourages them to upgrade their qualifications to diploma level to remain competitive and meet new employment standards. Teachers holding post-training certificates, such as those in Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE), Diploma in Teacher Education (DTE), and Special Needs Education (SNE), will still be certified to teach grades 1 to 6 under CBC guidelines.
The move has sparked mixed reactions among stakeholders, with some welcoming the reforms as a step toward professionalizing teaching, while others fear it may sideline many qualified but uncertified teachers.
In defense of the changes, TSC maintains that these reforms align with constitutional provisions and the evolving needs of Kenya’s education system. As education evolves, teachers must adapt to the new standards to ensure quality learning for future generations.
The TSC’s message is clear: teaching in 2025 and beyond demands higher qualifications, better skills, and a commitment to excellence. Teachers are urged to embrace these reforms to stay relevant and competitive in the evolving profession.
