TSC unveils entry requirements for Aviation, Electricity and Building teachers under CBE

The requirements place particular emphasis on technical expertise, professional teacher training and specific KCSE subject combinations, as the government moves to strengthen practical learning under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) framework.

In Circular No. 15/2026 dated August 13, 2026, TSC outlined the recognised academic pathways for individuals seeking to teach technical subjects in secondary schools.

The move comes as schools prepare to expand technical and practical learning, with subjects such as Electricity, Building and Construction, Metal Work, Wood Work, Aviation, Power Mechanics and Media Technology becoming increasingly important in preparing learners for the world of work.

Unlike ordinary teaching positions, technical teaching vacancies require applicants to demonstrate specialised knowledge in their fields alongside the professional competencies needed to deliver instruction in a school setting.

Minimum KCSE grades

Applicants must have attained a minimum KCSE mean grade of C+ or its equivalent. They must also have obtained at least C+ in the two relevant teaching subjects. Candidates with A-Level qualifications may alternatively qualify with one principal pass and two subsidiary passes in the subjects studied.

In addition, applicants must have attained at least C (plain) in Mathematics and English at KCSE or an equivalent qualification.

Meeting the minimum academic grades alone does not guarantee eligibility. Candidates must also possess the prescribed technical and professional qualifications.

TSC recognises four main qualification routes for prospective technical teachers:

1. Bachelor of Education Technology (B.Ed. Technology).

2. Bachelor of Science degree in a relevant technical subject or course.

3. Higher Diploma in a relevant technical course.

4. Diploma in a relevant technical course.

Applicants holding a Bachelor of Science degree, Higher Diploma or Diploma in a technical field must additionally possess a Diploma in Technical Teacher Education from the Kenya School of TVET, formerly the Kenya Technical Training College (KTTC). The requirement combines technical expertise with professional teaching skills, so that those recruited to teach practical subjects can effectively transfer knowledge and competencies to learners.

TSC has also clarified the KCSE subjects that applicants must have studied for different technical teaching specialisations. Under Circular No. 9/2026, the minimum mean grade for technical subjects is C+. The commission indicates that a C+ in any one of the specified alternative subjects for a particular specialisation is sufficient under the subject-specific requirements.

• Aviation: Mathematics, English, Physics, Chemistry, Geography or Computer Studies.

• Building and Construction: Mathematics (Alternative A or B), Physics, English or Kiswahili, Chemistry, Biology or Geography, and relevant technical subjects.

• Electricity: Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, English or technical subjects such as Electricity, Power Mechanics and Metal Technology.

• Metal Work: Mathematics, Physics or Physical Sciences, Metal Technology or related technical subjects, English or Kiswahili.

• Power Mechanics: Mathematics, English, Physics, Chemistry, Geography or Computer Studies.

• Wood Work: Mathematics, Physics, English or Kiswahili.

• Media Technology: English or Kiswahili, Mathematics, Physics, Physical Sciences or Chemistry.

• Marine and Fisheries: Biology or Biological Sciences, Chemistry or Physical Sciences, Mathematics, Physics, Geography or Agriculture.

For Building and Construction, the recognised technical subjects include Building Construction, Drawing and Design, Wood Technology and Metal Technology. Electricity applicants may also rely on relevant technical subjects, including Electricity, Power Mechanics and Metal Technology.

The clarification gives applicants from technical and vocational backgrounds a reference point for determining whether their KCSE subject combinations align with their intended teaching specialisations.(Education News Kenya — https://educationnews.co.ke/news/tsc-unveils-entry-requirements-for-aviation-electricity-and-building-teachers-under-cbe)

Beyond academic and professional qualifications, applicants must be registered teachers under Section 23(1) of the Teachers Service Commission Act, 2012.

Applications must be submitted through the official TSC recruitment portal, www.teachersonline.go.ke. Candidates should ensure that all academic and professional details provided are accurate.

Those invited for verification must produce their original academic certificates and official transcripts. Provisional transcripts will not be accepted.

Applicants who are uncertain about the suitability of their qualifications or KCSE subject combinations are advised to consult their respective TSC County Directors before applying.

The emphasis on technical teacher recruitment reflects the shift towards practical skills, creativity, problem-solving and the application of knowledge in real-life situations under CBE. Schools will need qualified professionals to guide learners through practical activities in construction, electricity, engineering-related disciplines, aviation, media technology and other specialised fields.

The success of these learning pathways will depend on the availability of adequately trained teachers, properly equipped workshops and functional laboratories.