The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has confirmed that the upgrading program for P1 teachers, aimed at equipping them with essential competencies to teach junior school classes, is on track. This program is scheduled to commence in November and will result in the deployment of many primary school teachers to teach in junior schools.
Key Takeaways
- The upgrading program for P1 teachers will begin in November, following the completion of national exams.
- Only teachers with a KCSE mean grade of C+ and above will benefit from the upgrading, excluding those with a grade of C (plain).
- A total of 38,849 teachers who meet the qualifications have been identified for the upgrading program.
- Guidelines for the training will be provided after selected teachers have been shortlisted per Sub County.
The TSC has already conducted a verification process of teachers’ documents at both the Sub County and headquarters levels. However, it has emerged that thousands of primary school teachers who achieved a mean grade of C (plain) in the KCSE examination will not be included in the upgrading plan. This decision follows a second round of verification by TSC that targeted only those with grades of C+ and above.
Initially, TSC had requested the submission of names and details of all P1 teachers with a mean grade of C (plain) or better, along with at least two subjects graded at C+ or above. This requirement was later retracted, and a memo dated September 18th confirmed that only teachers scoring C+ and above would be included, disappointing those with a C (plain) grade who were hoping for training.
Experts have warned that easing the junior school teaching threshold from a mean grade of C+ to C (plain) could jeopardize teaching standards. Nonetheless, TSC has noted the names of 38,849 teachers who scored C+ to A (plain) in KCSE, emphasizing the importance of rigorous teacher qualifications.
Headteachers of primary schools have been instructed to ensure that relevant teacher details are submitted to TSC Sub County Directors. Teachers are permitted to list up to three subjects in which they scored a grade of C+ or higher.
The TSC’s plans for the upgrading program, which is funded by the World Bank, aim to prepare these teachers to effectively handle Grades 7 to 9. The Commission will issue more detailed guidelines regarding the training process once the selection of teachers per Sub County is complete.
County Breakdown of P1 Teachers Selected for Upgrading
- Kakamega: 4,169
- Bungoma: 2,208
- Nakuru: 1,672
- Homa Bay: 1,566
- Kisumu: 1,456
- Makueni: 44
- Lamu: 86
- Marsabit: 130
- Wajir: 151
- Isiolo: 153
- Samburu: 165
- Tana River: 215
- Mombasa: 216
- Mandera: 248
- Laikipia: 292
- Taita-Taveta: 307
- Garissa: 313
- Kirinyaga: 358
- Turkana: 369
- Embu: 481
- Kajiado: 506
- Nairobi: 518
- Tharaka-Nithi: 535
- Nyeri: 554
- Kwale: 578
- Nyamira: 634
- Elgeyo Marakwet: 648
- Kilifi: 688
- Nyandarua: 693
- Baringo: 699
- West Pokot: 776
- Uasin Gishu: 815
- Vihiga: 863
- Kiambu: 879
- Busia: 950
- Trans Nzoia: 1,005
- Kisii: 1,006
- Kitui: 1,014
- Kericho: 1,029
- Bomet: 1,061
- Nandi: 1,101
- Machakos: 1,131
- Narok: 1,150
- Meru: 1,259
- Migori: 1,358
- Siaya: 1,390
- Muranga: 1,410
This comprehensive program is a significant step towards enhancing the teaching profession in Kenya, ensuring that qualified teachers are equipped to meet the demands of modern education.
For more resources, you can explore past papers and revisions at Free KCPE Exams and Free KSCE Exams.
