The government is proposing to bring 32 public teacher training colleges under one institution in a move that would significantly change how teacher training is managed in Kenya.
The proposal is contained in the Pre-Service Education and In-Service Training Bill, 2026, which is currently before Parliament.
Under the Bill, the colleges would lose their status as separate institutions and become campuses of a new institution to be known as the Kenya Teachers Training College.
The Bill states that the institutions listed in its Fourth Schedule would, once the law comes into force, be considered campuses of the new college.
Among the colleges listed are Aberdare, Asumbi, Moi Baringo, Bishop Mahon, Bondo, Borabu, Bunyore, Chesta, Galana, Garissa, Kaimosi, Kamwenja, Kenyenya, Kericho, Kitui and Kwale.
The list also includes Machakos, Mandera, Meru, Migori, Mosoriot, Murang’a, Narok, Seme, Shanzu, Tambach, Thogoto and Ugenya Teacher Training Colleges.
Saint Lawrence Egoji, Saint Augustine Eregi, Saint Mark’s Kigari and Saint John’s Kilimambogo are also included.
New college to coordinate teacher training
If approved, the Kenya Teachers Training College would be established as a corporate body responsible for coordinating pre-service teacher education across its campuses.
It would also be tasked with conducting research and consultancy in teacher education and advising the Cabinet Secretary for Education on matters relating to teacher training.
The proposed changes would not affect teachers already employed by the colleges.
The Bill provides that staff working in the affected institutions would become employees of the new college once the law takes effect.
It also seeks to protect qualifications already awarded by the colleges, with certificates and diplomas issued before the transition retaining their validity.
Board to oversee new institution
The proposed college would be governed by a board chaired by a person appointed by the President.
The board would include the Principal Secretaries responsible for Basic Education and the National Treasury, the Secretary of the Teachers Service Commission and the Attorney-General.
Other members would include the Secretary of the Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee, the Director of the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development and three non-public officers appointed by the Education Cabinet Secretary.
The chief administrator of the college would serve on the board as a non-voting ex-officio member.
The board would oversee key areas including the institution’s finances, assets, student fees, partnerships and student discipline.
At the campus level, each institution would have an administrator responsible for its day-to-day operations and delivery of teacher training.
The Bill further proposes that the assets, liabilities, rights and obligations of the 32 colleges be transferred to the new Kenya Teachers Training College once the law comes into force.
The proposed merger forms part of wider reforms contained in the Bill, which seeks to reorganise teacher preparation before entry into the profession as well as training and professional development for teachers already in service.
