Taita Taveta Senator Johnes Mwaruma has sought a statement from the Senate Committee on Education over delayed admissions into teacher training colleges, warning that the continued closure of the application portal could disadvantage learners seeking to join the teaching profession.
Rising pursuant to Standing Order 53(1), Sen Mwaruma asked the Committee to inquire into the matter, noting that the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) has yet to open its portal for applications to diploma teaching courses.
“The delay in opening the KUCCPS portal risks locking out learners who are ready and passionate about joining the teaching profession. The Committee should establish why applications remain disabled and when the matter will be resolved,” said Sen Mwaruma.
The Senator wants the Committee to provide reasons why applications to teacher training colleges through KUCCPS remain disabled and to give clear timelines for resolving the issue.
ALSO READ:
HELB turns to Ksh500M social bond as varsity funding crisis deepens
He also asked the Committee to provide details of approved teacher training colleges, both public and private, across the country, including their capacity in terms of learners, teaching staff and non-teaching staff.
Mwaruma further wants the Committee to clarify the fees charged by the colleges per learner, together with the Government’s capitation support. He asked the Committee to indicate whether the capitation is disbursed at once or in tranches, and to specify the number and amount per tranche for the year.
“The country must have clarity on the cost of teacher training, the level of Government support and whether learners in these colleges can benefit from HELB. These are issues that directly affect access, affordability and planning for students and their families,” he said.
The Senator also wants the Committee to state whether the Government has plans to ensure learners in teacher training colleges are eligible for support from the Higher Education Loans Board.
His concerns come after the Ministry of Education (MoE) suspended the admission of fresh KCSE candidates into the Teachers Training colleges (TTCs) for September 2026 intake in a major policy shift aimed at addressing the growing oversupply of primary school teachers in Kenya.
According to the information shared during KUCCPS stakeholder webinar, it was revealed that the ministry is reviewing TTC intake policies in response to capacity and employment challenges in the teaching sector.
Under the new directive, only practicing teachers holding a P1 certificate and seeking to upgrade through the Upgrading Diploma in Primary Teacher Education (UDPTE) programme will be admitted to pursue the Diploma in Primary Teacher Education (DPTE).
By Juma Ndigo
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
