If you’re considering a career in teaching, it’s crucial to understand the minimum qualifications required by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) in Kenya.
The TSC, in accordance with Article 237 (2) b and c of the Constitution of Kenya, is responsible for recruiting and employing registered teachers.
In this guide, we’ll break down the essential requirements you need to meet to embark on a teaching career.
Employment Requirements
To be considered for employment by the TSC, you must meet the following criteria:
Kenyan Citizenship: You must be a Kenyan citizen.
Age Limit: Applicants should be 45 years old or below.
Teacher Registration
Registration as a teacher, as outlined in Section 23 of the Teachers Service Commission Act 2012, is mandatory.
Those registered must provide evidence, including a copy of the online printout of the TSC number and the original bank payment slip for teacher registration.
Qualifications
Graduate Teachers
For those aspiring to be graduate teachers, the following criteria apply:
Minimum mean grade of C+ (plus) at KCSE and C+ (plus) in each of the two teaching subjects, or a minimum of two principles and one subsidiary pass at ‘A’ Level.
A Bachelor of Education Degree with two teaching subjects, or a Bachelor of Science/Arts Degree plus a Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) with two teaching subjects.
Bachelor of Science with Education and Bachelor of Arts with Education with two teaching subjects.
Note: Bachelor of Education holders with a C Plain mean grade and C Plain in the two teaching subjects at KCSE, who have undertaken a diploma or A-Level, also qualify.
Diploma Teachers
For diploma teachers, the requirements include:
Mean grade of C+ (plus) at KCSE or its equivalent, with at least C+ (or Credit Pass) in the two teaching subjects.
A Diploma in Education from a recognized Teacher Training Institution.
Note: Diploma teachers who graduated in 2008 or before with a mean grade of C (plain) and C (plain) in the two teaching subjects qualify for consideration.
Certificate Teachers
Certificate teachers must have:
Minimum grade C Plain in KCSE and above.
PTE Certificate from KNEC.
Mean grade of C-(minus) for visually and hearing impaired persons.
Special Needs Education: KSL and Braille are considered as a second teaching subject.
Notes: Various specific notes apply, such as subjects not in the Kenyan Curriculum, qualifications for specific subjects like Economics/Accounting, and considerations for special cases.
Recruitment and Selection Process
The recruitment and selection process involves specific steps:
Applicants for Primary schools must hold a P1 certificate.
Interested candidates should apply to the TSC County Director in the County where a vacancy is advertised.
Primary teachers are usually employed through a competitive selection interview, and relevant documents must be submitted.
For Secondary Schools:
Applicants must hold a minimum of a Diploma in Education Certificate.
Interested candidates should apply to the Secretary, Board of Management of the school where a vacancy is advertised, with a copy of the application submitted to the TSC County Director.
Note: Direct application to the Commission will NOT be considered.
Conclusion
Understanding the minimum qualifications for teachers in Kenya is essential for a successful career in education.
Whether you are a graduate, diploma, or certificate teacher, meeting these requirements is the first step towards contributing to the education sector.
For detailed information on available vacancies, visit the TSC website or the TSC office in your County or Sub-county of choice.
Best of luck in your teaching journey.
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Mr. Weldon Kosgei, a dedicated educator with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) in Kenya, brings years of experience and a deep love for education to his role at TSCNewsToday.co.ke. He provides insightful and timely updates on TSC policies, educational trends, and best practices, making his articles valuable resources for educators and administrators. Mr. Kosgei’s commitment to enhancing education shines through in his writing, connecting and inspiring the teaching community across Kenya.
