The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) is preparing to introduce a major reform that will require all teachers in Kenya to hold a valid teaching licence that must be renewed every five years in order to continue teaching.
The proposal forms part of the revised Teacher Professional Development (TPD) programme, which is currently being refined ahead of its official implementation.
Speaking on the reforms, TSC Chief Executive Officer Evaleen Mitei said the new system is intended to professionalise the teaching service and align it with other professions that require periodic licensing and continuous training.
Under the new arrangement, teachers will be required to successfully complete a five-year TPD cycle before they can renew their practising licences.
The Teacher Professional Development programme is a mandatory in-service training initiative that requires all registered teachers to continuously improve their teaching skills, classroom management techniques and curriculum delivery methods, especially under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system.
Unlike previous versions of the programme that attracted criticism over costs, the new TPD model will largely be conducted online and will be provided free of charge to teachers.
“We will not charge any money for TPD. But there is a catch. TPD is aimed at improving your competences as a teacher. Just like all other professions, the teaching service must be licensed,” Mitei said.
According to the TSC boss, the move is a strategic investment in improving the quality of education by ensuring teachers remain updated with emerging educational trends, technological advancements and changing learner needs.
The reforms are also expected to benefit Kenyan teachers seeking opportunities abroad.
Mitei noted that many Kenyan teachers encounter difficulties when applying for jobs in foreign countries because they are often required to provide proof of professional licensing, something Kenya currently does not offer.
Many countries recognise teaching as a licensed profession and require educators to present valid teaching licences before they can be employed.
“So, that five-year TPD will lead to your renewal of your teaching licence just like any other profession. Lawyers and other professions do it. We are equally professionalising the teaching service,” she explained.
To support the transition, TSC is developing a Learning Management System that will allow teachers to conveniently access training modules online.
Only a few sessions will require physical attendance, making the programme more flexible and accessible to teachers across the country.
Mitei encouraged teachers and school administrators to embrace the new TDP system, saying the hybrid approach would equip them with modern skills needed to manage learners, classrooms and institutions more effectively.
The TPD programme is expected to improve teachers’ understanding of the Competency-Based Education curriculum while enhancing their ability to assess learner competencies and deliver quality instruction.
“TPD will equip teachers with the knowledge, skills and pedagogical approaches required to effectively deliver the curriculum and assess learner competences,” Mitei said.
She added that strengthening teacher capacity will ensure that ongoing education reforms translate into improved classroom practices and better learning experiences for students.
In addition to the licensing reforms, the commission has strengthened the Teacher Induction, Mentorship and Coaching programme to support both newly recruited and experienced teachers.
The initiative aims to help new teachers transition smoothly into the profession while providing experienced educators with continuous guidance and opportunities for professional growth.
According to Mitei, mentorship and coaching will encourage the sharing of best practices, improve teacher confidence and ultimately enhance performance in schools.
“Ultimately this intervention contributes to improved instructional quality and better teachers,” she said.
If implemented, the reforms will mark one of the biggest changes in Kenya’s teaching profession in recent years, placing greater emphasis on continuous learning, accountability and professional standards.
The proposed licensing framework is also expected to elevate the status of teaching as a profession while ensuring Kenyan teachers remain competitive both locally and internationally.