Parliament is considering a major overhaul of teacher education that would merge 32 public Teacher Training Colleges into one institution known as the Kenya Teachers Training College.
The proposed Pre-Service Education and In-Service Training Bill, 2026, would convert the existing colleges into campuses of the new institution if Parliament passes the legislation.
The plan would also transfer their staff, assets, liabilities and obligations to the new college. The proposed reforms seek to centralise teacher training, research and administration while creating one national structure for pre-service teacher education.
Kenya Teacher Training College Would Absorb 32 Public Institutions
The proposed legislation would fundamentally change how Kenya manages its public Teacher Training Colleges.
Under the Bill, the 32 institutions listed in the Fourth Schedule would cease operating as separate institutions and become campuses of the newly established Kenya Teachers Training College.
The change would take effect once the proposed law comes into force.
The institutions affected include Aberdare, Asumbi, Moi Baringo, Bishop Mahon, Bondo, Borabu, Bunyore, Chesta, Galana, Garissa, Kaimosi, Kamwenja, Kenyenya, Kericho, Kitui and Kwale Teacher Training Colleges.
Other colleges listed include Machakos, Mandera, Meru, Migori, Mosoriot, Murang’a, Narok, Seme, Shanzu, Tambach, Thogoto and Ugenya.
The proposal also covers Saint Lawrence Egoji, Saint Augustine Eregi, Saint Mark’s Kigari and Saint John’s Kilimambogo Teacher Training Colleges.
| Proposed Change | Details |
|---|---|
| Institutions affected | 32 public Teacher Training Colleges |
| New institution | Kenya Teachers Training College |
| Existing colleges | Converted into campuses |
| Governing framework | Pre-Service Education and In-Service Training Bill, 2026 |
| Staff | Transferred to the new institution |
| Assets and liabilities | Transferred to the new institution |
| Existing certificates | Remain valid |
| Campus management | Institutional administrators |
The new college would operate as a corporate body with responsibility for coordinating pre-service teacher education across all its campuses.
It would also conduct research and consultancy and advise the Cabinet Secretary for Education on teacher training matters.
Staff and Assets Would Move to the New College
The proposed consolidation would not only change the names and administrative structures of the colleges.
Staff working in the affected institutions would become employees of the Kenya Teachers Training College once the law takes effect.
The Bill also provides for the transfer of assets, liabilities, rights and obligations held by the existing colleges to the new institution.
This provision could significantly change how the colleges manage their finances, property and other institutional resources.
Students would also retain the validity of certificates and diplomas already issued by the affected institutions.
That means graduates would not lose recognition of their qualifications simply because their former colleges become campuses of the new national institution.
Each campus would have an institutional administrator responsible for daily operations and delivery of pre-service teacher education.
The arrangement would therefore create a centralised institution while maintaining physical campuses across different parts of the country.
Presidential Appointee Would Chair New Teacher Training Board
The Kenya Teachers Training College would operate under a board with broad powers over the institution.
The board would be chaired by a presidential appointee and would include senior government officials from education, finance and other agencies.
Its proposed membership includes the Basic Education Principal Secretary, National Treasury Principal Secretary, Teachers Service Commission Secretary and the Attorney-General.
The Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee Secretary and Director of the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development would also sit on the board.
The Education Cabinet Secretary would appoint three additional members who are not public officers.
The college's chief administrator would serve as an ex-officio member without voting rights.
The board would oversee major areas including the college's assets, finances, student fees, partnerships and student discipline.
The proposed structure gives the central institution significant control over operations that currently fall under individual Teacher Training Colleges.
The reforms form part of a wider attempt to overhaul teacher education in Kenya.
The Bill, sponsored by Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah, covers both pre-service teacher preparation and in-service professional development.
If Parliament approves the legislation, the creation of the Kenya Teacher Training College would mark one of the biggest structural changes to public teacher education in recent years.
The central question will now be whether Parliament considers the proposed consolidation capable of improving efficiency and training standards without weakening the autonomy and effectiveness of the individual campuses.
