The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, has introduced significant changes to the training of Early Childhood Education (ECE) teachers in Kenya. The changes introduce a major policy shift affecting training programmes, assessment, admissions, and institutional approvals.
Restructuring of ECE Diploma Programmes
Diploma in Early Childhood Teacher Education (DECTE) has officially been merged with the Diploma in Primary Teacher Education (DPTE). Following this merger, the new qualification is now known as the Diploma in Teacher Education – Pre-Primary and Primary (DTE PP & P).
As part of this restructuring, the Upgrade Diploma in Early Childhood Teacher Education (UDECTE) has been discontinued. This move is intended to harmonize teacher education programmes and promote a more integrated training model that prepares teachers to competently handle both pre-primary and primary education levels.
KNEC Directed to Stop Registration and Assessment
The circular clearly directs KNEC not to register any new candidates for assessment under the DECTE or UDECTE programmes. Consequently, examinations, assessments, and certifications under these former ECE diploma structures will no longer be conducted. This marks a complete transition away from the old programmes.
Mandatory Full-Time Training
All Teacher Training Colleges (TTCs) are instructed to offer the new DTE PP & P programme strictly on a full-time basis. Part-time, distance learning, or school-based modes of training are not permitted. The circular further emphasizes that the school-based mode of training remains suspended until further notice, underscoring the government’s commitment to standardized and closely supervised teacher preparation.
Suspension of Admissions and College Approvals
The directive also places firm restrictions on admissions and institutional approvals. Specifically:
- No new admissions are allowed under the DECTE programme.
- No registration or approval of colleges will be processed to offer DECTE or UDECTE programmes.
These measures effectively freeze the old ECE diploma pathways. Additionally, it prevents institutions from continuing or introducing training under the discontinued programmes.
Implications for Students and Colleges
For students, the changes mean that anyone aspiring to become an Early Childhood or Primary school teacher must now enroll in the Diploma in Teacher Education – Pre-Primary and Primary (DTE PP & P) at an approved institution. It will now not be possible to pursue the programme on part time basis but only on full-time basis.
Conclusion
By merging ECE and primary teacher education into a single diploma programme, the government aims to produce more versatile, well-trained teachers while strengthening oversight and consistency across teacher training institutions.
Betty is a qualified teacher with a Bachelor of Education (Arts). In addition, she is a registered Certified Public Accountant. She has been teaching and offering part-time accounting services for the last 10 years. She is passionate about education, accounting, writing, and traveling.