TSC Rejects Calls to Lower Entry Grades for ECD Teacher Training
TSC has rejected proposal to lower ECD teacher training entry grade, saying high qualifications are key to safeguarding learners’ future
TSC Director of Teacher Professional Management, Dr. Reuben Nthamburi has told the Senate not to lower the entry grade for Early Childhood Development (ECD) teacher training. He said reducing the entry grade would undermine the foundation of the education system.
Speaking to senators, Dr. Nthamburi said pre-school teachers play a critical role in shaping learners’ cognitive and social growth and therefore must be highly trained.
“From a professional perspective, I urge the Senate not to entertain lowering qualifications for ECD teachers. In Kenya we already have some of the lowest qualified teachers at this level yet in developed countries most ECD educators hold master’s degrees,” Dr. Nthamburi said.
His remarks came after Taita Taveta Senator Johnes Mwarume and his colleagues asked the commission to lower the entry grade for a Diploma in ECD from C plain to C- (minus).
Dr. Nthamburi reminded the senators that past education task forces – Fatuma Chege and Raphael Munavu reports – had recommended raising standards and separating ECD from primary teacher training. But the government later merged the two after public Teacher Training Colleges (TTCs) struggled to attract students and many ECD colleges were unregulated.
Since 2021, TTCs have been offering a unified Diploma in Teacher Education (DTE) which requires a KCSE grade of C plain. The new curriculum trains teachers to teach both pre-primary and primary levels, broadening their employment opportunities.
“This new programme has more training hours and extended teaching practice. Graduates are now qualified to work in either pre-primary or primary schools, addressing the gaps in the sector,” he explained. He added that children must learn in nurturing and safe environments that build confidence, social skills and attentiveness.
Dr. Nthamburi also asked counties to improve infrastructure in pre-primary schools many of which are operating in unsafe conditions with poor sanitation. “Counties should ensure safe learning spaces. Early childhood education now referred to as Pre-Primary 1 and 2 is critical in building socialisation and interaction skills,” he said.He also asked the senators to devolve ECD while supporting national reforms to professionalise the sector. “What policies are in place to ensure standards in ECD? And are we providing role models of both genders since most ECD teachers are women?” he asked.
TSC’s acting CEO, Ms. Everleen Mitei said the Diploma in Teacher Education is in line with the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms recommendations. She said as of August 2025 the commission had registered 137,145 ECD teachers countrywide.
Ms. Mitei said TSC is reviewing its Act to reflect the new requirements of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). The first cohort of graduates under the new DTE programme will be out in two and a half years.
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TSC Rejects Calls to Lower Entry Grades for ECD Teacher Training