Private School Teachers Fear After Ministry’s Directive

Thousands of teachers who are currently teaching in private schools across the country have been left scratching their heads after the Ministry on Wednesday, July 28, announced that it will be upgrading teachers.
The private school teachers most of whom work under very difficult conditions are wondering where they will get the time and money to attend these trainings.
Mwanahabari has established that some of the private school teachers are always asked to be in school even when students close.
“I am shocked beyond words. These people just sleep, dream and wake up to make changes without consulting anyone. Whose idea was this?
“This cannot be a teacher. Where will I get time to go back to school when I am earning Ksh8,000 at a private school in Nairobi?” wondered one teacher.
TSC Boss Nancy Macharia, IG and CS Education George Magoha at a past event. Photo/Courtesy
Here are some reactions from teachers.
“Teaching are one of the most mistreated professionals in this country? How can you ask someone who has not been employed since they left college in 2010 to go back to school? Is that even logical?” wondered Brian who says he is now considering farming.
“My husband and I are trained teachers, and bot of us have been combing the streets looking for TSC employment since 2012. Then suddenly you ask as to go back to school yet we are jobless and hungry” Maryanne told Mwanahabari.
“They are going to use this to employ teachers. I advise all teachers to go for the upgrade. Do not be cheated that this is going to optional. This is mandatory, they just don’t want to tell us,” John.
“I think I am going to be jobless. Thank you my government for helping a widow like me,” Benita.
The advertisement reads:

“All applicants who wish to be considered for admission into the Teachers Training Colleges for upgrading from Certificate (ECDE) and Primary Teachers Education (PTE) to Diploma in Early Childhood Teacher Education (DECTE) and Diploma in Primary Teacher Education (DPTE) respectively are invited to apply.

“This is an upgrading program for the trained teachers in the above category who are not in service. The school based upgrading program to benefit teachers who are in service will be available once the school calendar normalizes,” reads the advertisement.

It goes on to say that: “Application forms are available on the ministries website. The forms can be downloaded from the Ministry’s website or hard copies can be obtained from the County’s Director of Education (CDEs) at no cost.

“Dully filled application forms should be submitted to the Sub-County Director Education from Thursday 29th July to August 13, 2021 by the applicants in person. Those with special needs are encouraged to apply.

“Candidates are encouraged to register in only one center. Double registration will lead to automatic qualification. The letter of offer will stipulate the fees and other requirements.

Entry requirements for upgrading to Diploma in Early Childhood Education
  1. The applicant must posses a valid ECDE certificate
  2. The applicant must be registered by the Teachers Service Commission
  3. The duration of the course shall be 1890 hours
  4. The course shall be fully residential
  5. The trainee shall take all courses specified in the upgrading program in Diploma in Early Childhood Teacher Education (DECTE)
  6. The trainees shall undertake a teaching practicum of 300 hours
  7. To be awarded the diploma, the trainee must complete the required hours f0r course work and pass the assessment by the Kenya National Examinations Council
  8. Applicants shall be required to produce evidence of adherence to positive morals, values and good behaviour
Entry requirements for upgrading to Diploma in Primary Teacher Education
  1. The applicant must posses a valid PTE certificate
  2. The applicant must be registered by the Teachers Service Commission
  3. The duration of the course shall be 1500 hours
  4. The course shall be fully residential
  5. The trainee shall take all courses specified in the upgrading program in Diploma in Primary Teacher Education (DPTE)
  6. The trainees shall undertake a teaching practicum of 300 hours
  7. To be awarded the diploma, the trainee must complete the required hours f0r course work and pass the assessment by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC)
  8. Applicants shall be required to produce evidence of adherence to positive morals, values and good behavior