The Teacher Professional Development (TPD) training program will continue when the schools close in July 2022.
The good news is that, unlike in the past, teachers will no longer be responsible for paying for their own training. For teachers, the idea that the government would cover the cost of training is great news.
This follows the allocation of Sh1.16 billion by the National Treasury to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) for teacher professional development.
In the 2022-2023 budget, the Teachers Service Commission allocated Sh289.37 billion for gross current and capital estimates, as well as Sh7.23 billion for general administration, planning, and support services.
Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) has been pushing for this increased allocation for a long time.
Since the program’s inception, teachers have paid Sh6,000 for each of the five modules that must be completed every five years. In April, 90,000 teachers joined in TPD to avoid missing out on promotions and greater compensation.
As some of the teachers were able to complete the course online, others were able to attend the sessions in person.
On an annual basis, Kenyatta University, Mount Kenya University, Riara, and Kenya Education Management Institute were contracted to give the training, with the possibility to prolong their services.
Training is divided into six modules and is frequently held during the holidays. TPD points will be awarded to teacher-trainees at the end of each module.
The Teachers will be eligible for re-certification and promotion after completing all of the modules, as the modules are rooted in the career development criteria.
“Despite opposition from the executive, which has requested that each teacher gather for the program,” Ronald Tonui, MP for Bomet Central, stated, “I appreciate Parliament for being a friend of the teachers.”
