P1 Course Scrapped in TSC Reforms
The ongoing review of Kenya’s teaching profession by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has resulted in the elimination of the Primary Teachers Certificate Training Course, commonly known as P1.
This move, part of a broader legislative revision, has generated varied reactions from stakeholders in the education sector. One key proposal involves establishing a diploma level as the entry qualification for teacher training.
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Under the new recommendations, TSC suggests that a teacher should attain a minimum of C plain overall, with at least a D+ in Mathematics and a C minus in English.
TSC CEO Nancy Macharia explained, “Last week, we met with the caucus of all deans of universities offering teaching education to deliberate on the requirements for registration. We want to go to Parliament when the education sector is unified.”
In addition to setting new entry standards, TSC has outlined measures to streamline the teaching profession, including conditions for teacher deregistration or disciplinary actions for various offenses, such as sexual misconduct.
The commission is also working to establish and institutionalize continuous professional development for teachers.
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Amidst these reforms, TSC promises promotions for teachers, with over 30,000 teachers set to be promoted across different cadres.
Nancy Macharia reassured, “We promoted 14,000 teachers in the financial year 2023/2024, and in the process of promoting 36 in this financial year, we have been allocated Ksh1 billion for promotions in the financial year 24/45. So the issue of teachers’ stagnation will be over pretty soon.”
Simultaneously, teachers can expect improved medical services as the teachers’ medical scheme enhances its service delivery approach.
However, TSC has faced criticism from some stakeholders over certain proposed amendments, with accusations of overreaching and self-allocation of powers.
Despite the criticism, TSC maintains that the reforms align with constitutional provisions and recommendations from the presidential working party on education reforms.
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P1 Course Scrapped in TSC Reforms