Teachers in Kenya will be required to renew their teaching licenses every five years after completing a mandatory Teacher Professional Development (TPD) programme under new rules introduced by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
The changes were announced during the 49th Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KESSHA) conference in Mombasa and are aimed at improving the quality of education.
Acting TSC chief executive Evaleen Mitei said the new policy is meant to strengthen the teaching profession by ensuring teachers continue improving their knowledge and skills throughout their careers.
“The purpose of TPD is to improve teachers’ competencies. Like other professions, the teaching service must also be licensed. That is why the five-year programme will lead to the renewal of your teaching licence,” Mitei said.
She explained that the redesigned TPD programme will be offered free of charge to all teachers. According to her, most of the training will be done online through a digital platform where teachers can access learning materials, complete their studies, and track their progress.
Mitei said the new licensing system will also benefit Kenyan teachers seeking employment in other countries. She noted that many countries require teachers to have a valid professional licence, making the new system important for those looking for international opportunities.
The Acting CEO added that the programme has been reviewed to make it more practical and accessible to teachers across the country. She encouraged teachers to embrace continuous learning, saying education is changing and teachers must keep up with new teaching methods and technology.
The commission believes the reforms will improve professionalism in the teaching sector and help raise learning standards in schools. TSC says it will continue working with education stakeholders to ensure the new licensing and professional development programme is successfully implemented nationwide.
– By Esther Keshe
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