Teachers in Kenya, both at primary and secondary levels, will be required to undertake continuous professional development programmes.
Additionally, all registered tutors under the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) will be required to sit for a practising certificate.
This is according to the Teachers Service Commission (Amendment) Bill of 2024 which seeks to amend the Teachers Service Commission Act, of 2012.
According to the Bill, the two certifications are part of the Commission’s goal to take all necessary steps to ensure that persons in the teaching service comply with the teaching standards.
“A teacher who fails to undertake prescribed continuous professional development programmes or take out a practising certificate is prohibited from teaching,” the Bill reads in part.
TSC will have the sole responsibility of engaging various stakeholders to offer the two certifications.
This will be through entering into agreements with academic institutions, bodies, departments or a government agency towards offering the certificates.
“The Commission may appoint an agent or designate a member or staff of the Commission who may enter any educational institution and make an enquiry in that regard,” TSC explained further.
Once the Bill is ratified into law, TSC will develop regulations for the better carrying into effect the aforementioned extra academic requirements.
To ensure optimal teaching standards, teachers undertaking continuous assessments and practising certificates will be graded using an agreed-upon appraisal system.
Additionally, TSC will establish and implement a capacity building for all registered teachers.
This will provide the necessary knowledge, skills and resources to enhance teacher's performance, productivity and professional growth.
