The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has delisted 800 primary teachers from the World Bank-sponsored P1 upgrading programme after discovering some applicants had already been awarded diploma or degree certificates yet still registered for the course. The move affects participation and has raised questions about the final list of approved teachers and the timeline for training.
Key Takeaways
- About 800 P1 teachers were removed from the TSC World Bank upgrading programme for having prior higher qualifications.
- TSC cleared a total of 38,849 P1 teachers for the upgrading exercise; the Commission published county totals but not individual names.
- The programme aims to upgrade Primary Teacher Education (PTE) holders to teach junior secondary classes (Grades 7–9).
- Training will be delivered at nearby TTCs, high schools and contracted universities to reduce travel and accommodation costs.
Overview of the P1 upgrading programme
The P1 upgrading programme is a World Bank–sponsored initiative to upgrade P1-qualified teachers to a higher professional qualification so they can teach junior secondary classes (Grades 7–9). TSC has identified training centres nationwide and will target teachers who meet minimum academic criteria for participation.
Why 800 teachers were delisted
TSC’s review found that some teachers who registered for the upgrading programme had already obtained diplomas or degrees from other institutions. These teachers had previously submitted their qualification documents to TSC and received acknowledgement letters. Registering again for the same sponsored P1 upgrading exercise led to their removal to protect the integrity of the selection process and available training slots.
Numbers selected per county
TSC published only the number of teachers approved in each county rather than individual names. The total approved was 38,849. Selected county totals include:
- Kakamega: 4,169
- Bungoma: 2,208
- Nakuru: 1,672
- Homa Bay: 1,566
- Kisumu: 1,456
- Nairobi: 518
- Kiambu: 879
- Trans Nzoia: 1,005
- Kisii: 1,006
- … (full totals across all counties add up to 38,849)
Training centres and participating institutions
TSC has suggested a mix of high schools, Teacher Training Colleges (TTCs) and universities to host course delivery. Bringing training closer to teachers aims to reduce travel and accommodation costs. Selected institutions by region include:
- Nairobi: Lenana School, Buruburu Girls, Jamhuri High, KISE Kasarani, Langata High, Moi Forces Academy.
- Central: Alliance High, Kenyatta University, JKUAT, Thogoto TTC, Laikipia University, Dedan Kimathi University.
- Nyanza: Kisii School, Rongo University, Kisumu Girls, Bondo TTC, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University.
- Rift Valley, Eastern, Western, Coast & North Eastern: Multiple TTCs and local universities have been named to host cohorts.
Eligibility, selection criteria and expected outcomes
TSC targets P1 teachers who scored a minimum KCSE mean grade of C+ and at least C+ in two teaching subjects. The objective is to equip successful participants with the competencies required to teach junior secondary (Grades 7–9) under the new structure.
After completion, successful teachers will be deployed to teach junior school classes. The programme is also intended to improve staffing levels and ensure junior secondary education operates at an optimum level, according to a TSC circular dated 22nd August.
Practical steps for affected and interested teachers
If you were delisted or are waiting for confirmation, follow these steps:
- Check your TSC records: Confirm whether your previously submitted qualifications are recorded with TSC to avoid duplicate registration.
- Prepare for training: Review relevant curriculum and course material for junior secondary teaching. Useful resources include CBC curriculum designs and JSS curriculum designs.
- Upgrade study materials: Teachers applying for formal diploma upgrades can benefit from past papers and revision materials such as Diploma in Education past papers.
- Monitor official announcements: TSC will publish final lists and specific training schedules—stay alert to circulars and your TSC online profile.
Where to expect the official list and next steps
At the time of the announcement, TSC had not published the individual list of cleared teachers, which created concern among candidates. The Commission published county totals and has said it will provide the full list once verification and final checks are complete. Affected teachers should keep checking TSC communications and their official TSC profiles for confirmation.
Summary
The P1 upgrading programme seeks to strengthen junior secondary teaching capacity by upgrading qualified P1 teachers. Delistings were a corrective action after verification found duplicate-qualified applicants. Teachers who remain eligible should prepare for training and use available curriculum and past-paper resources to improve readiness for course delivery and eventual deployment to Grades 7–9.
