The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has announced a mass training programme to upgrade P1 teachers’ qualifications. The P1 teacher upgrading programme, funded by the World Bank, will train eligible primary teachers to teach junior school classes by upgrading their Primary Teacher Education (PTE) certificates.
Key Takeaways
- 38,849 P1 teachers have been listed to undergo the World Bank‑sponsored upgrade to PTE qualifications.
- Training will be delivered locally at universities, Teacher Training Colleges (TTCs) and selected high schools to reduce travel costs.
- Eligibility: KCSE mean grade C+ and at least C+ in two teaching subjects.
- Successful participants will be eligible for deployment to teach junior secondary classes (Grades 7–9).
- Teachers should prepare by checking the official TSC list when published and reviewing relevant course and exam materials.
P1 teacher upgrading: overview
The P1 teacher upgrading programme aims to equip primary school teachers with the competencies needed to teach in junior secondary classes under the new junior school structure. The training is part of an effort to strengthen teacher capacity and align staffing with the evolving curriculum and school structure.
Who is eligible and what are the outcomes?
TSC is targeting P1 teachers who meet the minimum academic requirements: a KCSE mean grade of C+ and at least C+ in two teaching subjects. The course upgrades a teacher’s PTE certificate and prepares them to handle Grades 7, 8 and 9 upon successful completion. Upgraded teachers can expect changes in deployment and teaching responsibilities after certification.
Training locations and providers
To make training accessible, TSC has contracted universities and local institutions to host sessions. Many sessions will run at nearby high schools and TTCs to cut travel time and expenses. Suggested institutions include major universities and county TTCs, ensuring wide geographic coverage and the ability to manage large cohorts.
Number of teachers selected by county
TSC listed a total of 38,849 P1 teachers selected for the upgrade. The highest numbers come from counties with large teacher populations. Below are sample county figures from the TSC list:
- Kakamega: 4,169
- Bungoma: 2,208
- Nakuru: 1,672
- Homa Bay: 1,566
- Kisumu: 1,456
- Other counties range from a few dozen to over a thousand selected teachers.
The full county breakdown and a detailed list of training centres will be published officially by TSC. Teachers should confirm their inclusion and assigned centre when the official list is released.
Suggested preparations for selected teachers
Teachers listed for the P1 upgrading should take practical steps now:
- Confirm listing and assigned training centre once TSC publishes the official list.
- Review subject content and assessment formats relevant to junior secondary teaching.
- Gather required documents (academic certificates, TSC number, identification) ahead of registration.
- Plan logistics: transport, accommodation (if needed), and time off from regular duties.
Resources and study materials
To support preparation, teachers can access curriculum and past‑paper resources. Recommended resources include:
- Diploma in Education past papers — useful for practice on teacher training assessments and exam-style questions.
- Free CBC curriculum designs — to understand junior secondary learning outcomes and content structure.
- Free JSS teaching notes — practical teaching notes and lesson guidance for junior secondary subjects.
What happens after training?
On successful completion, teachers will receive an upgraded PTE qualification. TSC will then consider deployment to teach junior secondary classes where there is need. Teachers should monitor TSC circulars for deployment notices and any additional registration or certification steps.
Frequently asked questions
- When does training start? Training is scheduled to begin in the same month the list was issued; exact dates will depend on centre timetables and TSC announcements.
- Will training be paid for? The programme is World Bank‑sponsored; TSC is coordinating delivery and coverage to minimize participant costs.
- How will I know my assigned centre? TSC will publish the official list with assigned centres—teachers must check that list and follow registration instructions.
Next steps for teachers
Selected teachers should watch for the official TSC publication and act promptly to register at their assigned centre. Use the linked study resources above to begin targeted revision and lesson planning. Preparing early will improve readiness for assessments and classroom transition.
