A transformative shift is coming to Kenya’s education sector as the Teachers Service Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2025, moves toward enactment. The draft legislation aims to dismantle long-standing rigid administrative frameworks, potentially unlocking thousands of employment opportunities for educators previously sidelined by strict registration rules.
Key Reforms in the 2025 Bill
The proposed amendments seek to replace the outdated Legal Notice Number 50 of 2016 with a framework aligned with Competency-Based Education (CBE). Major highlights include:
Montessori Recognition: For the first time, Montessori-trained teachers will receive formal recognition, easing registration hurdles for Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) professionals.
Single-Subject Teachers: The Bill introduces registration for teachers specialized in a single subject, a departure from the traditional requirement of two teaching subjects.
Harmonized Entry Grades: Entry requirements are set to be realigned to ensure more qualified individuals can enter the teaching profession under the new curriculum.
Beyond registration, the Bill grants the TSC enhanced powers to address professional misconduct. New provisions include:
Strict Penalties for Misconduct: Teachers involved in sexual exploitation, flirtation, or exposure of learners to pornography face immediate deregistration.
Unauthorized Fees & Tuition: The commission will have the authority to act against tutors who facilitate illegal holiday tuition or withhold national examination certificates.
Professional Standards: To remain in the service, every registered teacher will be required to undertake Continuous Professional Development (CPD) and hold a valid practicing certificate.
The TSC Amendment Bill is part of a larger legislative package approved by the Cabinet in early 2026 to streamline the entire education sector. Other related reforms include the Kenya National Educational Assessments Bill, 2025, which rebrands the examination council into the Kenya National Educational Assessments Council (KNEAC) as the 8-4-4 system is phased out by 2027.
“The realignment is set to unlock thousands of employment opportunities for teachers previously locked out by rigid administrative frameworks.”
TSC CEO highlights teachers’ preparedness in CBE implementation.
TSC CEO spoke on how teachers are being prepared and retooled to handle the new Competency-Based Education (CBE) standards mentioned in the article.