TSC Banned Courses and Its Impact on Teachers' Careers

The landscape of teacher education in Kenya is undergoing a significant transformation as the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) takes decisive steps to shape the future of teaching.

In a recent development, TSC has imposed a ban on more than 26 degree courses, encompassing both science and arts disciplines.

This move has left aspiring teachers seeking new avenues for employment, prompting a reevaluation of career paths in the education sector.

Understanding TSC’s Mandate

The Teachers Service Commission(TSC) plays a pivotal role in shaping the education sector by reviewing and endorsing Bachelor courses offered in colleges and universities.

This regulatory body ensures that aspiring educators are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their teaching roles.

The Ban’s Impact on Teachers

Graduates who underwent training in the now-banned courses find themselves at a crossroads, as their aspirations to register with TSC and embark on a teaching career are thwarted.

The TSC emphasizes that applicants with training in subjects not currently in the curriculum are ineligible for registration, even if they hold a Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) or Enhancement.

Warning from KUCCPS

Adding to the complexity, the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement (KUCCPS) has issued a warning to the 2022 Kenya Certificate of Secondary School graduates.

They are urged to verify the legitimacy of their chosen courses by consulting the updated list of certified Bachelor courses, steering clear of the banned ones.

Insights into TSC Guidelines

The TSC’s guidelines for the registration of new teachers shed light on the stringent criteria.

Even those who have pursued PGDE in the banned courses are deemed ineligible for registration.

The commission contends that these courses lack the necessary subject content, rendering the mastery of content in two teaching subjects inadequate.

Qualifications for Registration

In the midst of these restrictions, TSC provides a glimmer of hope for those with a Bachelor of Science or Arts Degree.

The path to registration is open for individuals who possess a post-Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) and C+ in two teaching subjects.

This qualification ensures that the registered teachers have a comprehensive understanding of the curriculum’s demands.

Challenges Faced by Graduates

For graduates of the banned courses, this announcement from TSC has been a setback.

Many find themselves grappling with uncertainty, having invested time and effort into courses that are no longer aligned with the evolving needs of the education system.

The need to explore alternative employment opportunities becomes paramount for these aspiring educators.

Here are bachelor degree courses that have been banned completely by TSC across all colleges and universities.

Natural Resources
Meteorology
Forestry
Animal husbandry
Horticulture
Farm machinery
Fisheries
Anthropology
Sociology
Theology/Divinity
Journalism
Kiswahili and Communication
Business Management/Administration
Banking and Finance
Genomics
Actuarial science
Environmental science
Criminology
Biotechnology
All courses related to engineering
Industrial Chemistry
Biochemistry
Hospitality and tourism
Foods, nutrition, and Dietetics
Technology and applied biology
Microbiology

Conclusion

As the education landscape undergoes a paradigm shift, aspiring teachers must adapt to the changing requirements set forth by the TSC.

The ban on certain Bachelor courses serves as a call for reflection, pushing educators to align their training with the dynamic needs of the curriculum.

Navigating this transition requires resilience and a strategic approach to career planning, ensuring that educators remain at the forefront of shaping the future of education in Kenya.