The Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE) has started disbursing an airtime allowance to selected teachers participating in the seven-day online special needs training under the Kenya Primary Education Equity in Learning Program (KPEELP). The first tranche of Ksh 1,500 has been sent via M-Pesa to eligible teachers to cover data and airtime costs during the initial three days of the course.
Key Takeaways
- Main support: KISE airtime allowance is Ksh 500 per training day to help teachers stay connected for online sessions.
- Payment schedule: First tranche Ksh 1,500 (days 1–3); second tranche Ksh 2,000 (days 4–7).
- Eligibility: Only teachers nominated by TSC County Directors and submitted through official county lists will receive payments.
- Training goal: Improve early identification and basic screening of learners with special needs across primary schools.
KISE airtime allowance: what teachers should know
The KISE airtime allowance provides Ksh 500 per day for seven days, totalling Ksh 3,500 for each eligible teacher. The scheme aims to remove connectivity barriers so teachers can attend the online special needs sessions running from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM daily. Payments are made to the M-Pesa numbers submitted by Teachers Service Commission (TSC) County Directors.
How the payment is made
KISE releases the facilitation in two tranches to match training days:
- First tranche: Ksh 1,500 covering the first three days; disbursed to nominated M-Pesa numbers.
- Second tranche: Ksh 2,000 covering the remaining four days; scheduled for disbursement at the end of the training.
Teachers should ensure the mobile number submitted by their county is active and properly registered on M-Pesa to avoid delays.
Who qualifies for the allowance
The allowance is limited to teachers officially appointed by TSC County Directors and included in the county contact lists. Counties were asked to nominate 15 teachers per sub-county (10 from regular primary schools and 5 from special schools or units). Each nominated teacher’s name, TSC number, school, category, M-Pesa number and email were required for submission.
If a teacher attended the training without being officially nominated, they will not be on the payment list. Any corrections to names or numbers must be made through the teacher’s TSC County Director so KISE can process the payment.
About the KPEELP special needs training
The training is part of the Special Needs Education component of KPEELP and focuses on early identification and basic screening of learners with disabilities or learning difficulties. The programme includes:
- 100 Trainers of Trainers (ToTs) undergoing intensive training.
- 4,800 teachers drawn from regular primary schools and primary special schools participating in online sessions.
Daily sessions run in the evening to allow teachers to complete their school duties before attending. The curriculum emphasises practical screening steps so teachers can identify learners who need further assessment or support.
Why the online model matters
Delivering the course online lets KISE reach teachers across all counties simultaneously without the cost and logistics of in-person workshops. Teachers in remote areas can join the same live session as those in towns. However, live video training consumes data, which is why the airtime allowance is essential to ensure participation is not limited by connectivity costs.
What teachers should do now
- Check the registered M-Pesa number for the first tranche payment of Ksh 1,500.
- Confirm the submitted mobile number is active and registered with M-Pesa.
- Attend daily sessions from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM and complete assigned activities.
- Contact the TSC County Director to report any payment or contact-list errors.
- Expect the second tranche of Ksh 2,000 at the end of the training period.
How this supports inclusive classrooms
By training thousands of teachers to screen and identify learners with special needs, the programme aims to improve early intervention and referral in schools. A teacher who can spot early signs of hearing, visual, intellectual or learning difficulties and take basic screening steps can help learners access support much sooner.
Resources and further support
Teachers looking for complementary classroom resources and practice materials can use national curriculum and exam resources to reinforce learning and assessment skills. For example, CBC exam materials and lesson plans can support classroom practice:
- CBC exams resources for classroom assessment
- KCPE past papers and practice exams
- CBC lesson plans to support inclusive teaching
Key facts at a glance
- Total facilitation: Ksh 3,500 per eligible teacher (Ksh 500/day for seven days)
- First tranche: Ksh 1,500 (days 1–3) via M-Pesa
- Second tranche: Ksh 2,000 (days 4–7) at the end of the training
- Eligibility: Teachers nominated by TSC County Directors and included on county contact lists
- Training dates & time: Online, daily from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
