The TSC, established as per the guidelines in Article 237(1) and (2) of the Kenyan Constitution (2010), plays a central role in managing teacher-related functions within the country. Among its responsibilities is the registration of qualified and trained teachers, a fundamental process to maintain education quality in both public and private schools.

To be eligible for teacher registration, individuals are required to hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Science or Arts and a PGDE. However, there’s a catch – not all undergraduate courses are considered valid for PGDE application due to curriculum and subject limitations.

The core criteria for teacher registration with a PGDE involve possessing a Bachelor’s Degree and a PGDE, specializing in two teaching subjects. However, here’s the catch – individuals with an academic background in subjects currently not part of the curriculum are not eligible for teacher registration, even if they have PGDE qualifications.

So, which undergraduate courses fall under this exclusion? The extensive list includes disciplines such as Natural Resources, Meteorology, Forestry, and Animal Husbandry, among others. This exclusion is not arbitrary; it’s based on subject content and its alignment with the necessary proficiency for effective teaching.

The fundamental requirement for mastering content in two teaching subjects, a key aspect of PGDE eligibility, cannot be met when the subject matter is absent from the curriculum or inadequately covered in the courses.

While this may raise concerns about access to the teaching profession for those with academic backgrounds in excluded fields, it’s essential to recognize the TSC’s dedication to maintaining educational quality in Kenyan institutions.

The focus on subject mastery and curriculum alignment underscores the TSC’s commitment to ensuring that teachers possess the required expertise in their chosen subjects, contributing to a stronger educational foundation for future generations.