Govt Proposes Merger of 32 Teacher Training Colleges Into One Institution

Parliament is considering a proposal to consolidate 32 public Teacher Training Colleges into a single institution known as the Kenya Teachers Training College under the Pre-Service Education and In-Service Training Bill, 2026. 

The proposed law reviewed by Kenyans.co.ke would end the colleges’ status as separate institutions and designate them as campuses of the new college once the legislation takes effect. 

“The institutions listed in the Fourth Schedule shall, on commencement of this Act, be deemed to be the campuses of the College,” the bill read.

The institutions listed for transition include the Aberdare, Asumbi, Moi Baringo, Bishop Mahon, Bondo, Borabu, Bunyore, Chesta, Galana, Garissa, Kaimosi, Kamwenja, Kenyenya, Kericho, Kitui and Kwale Teacher Training Colleges.

The list also includes the Machakos, Mandera, Meru, Migori, Mosoriot, Murang’a, Narok, Seme, Shanzu, Tambach, Thogoto and Ugenya Teacher Training Colleges. 

Other institutions named in the proposal are Saint Lawrence Egoji, Saint Augustine Eregi Teacher, Saint Mark’s Kigari and Saint John’s Kilimambogo Teacher Training Colleges.

The Kenya Teachers Training College would be established as a corporate body with responsibility for coordinating pre-service teacher education across its campuses. 

Its mandate would also include conducting research and consultancy in pre-service education and advising the Education Cabinet Secretary on teacher training matters.

According to the proposal, staff serving in the affected colleges would become employees of the new institution, while certificates and diplomas already issued would retain their validity under the college.

The college would be overseen by a board chaired by a presidential appointee and comprising the Basic Education and National Treasury Principal Secretaries, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) Secretary and the Attorney-General.

Board members would also include the Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee Secretary, the Director of the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development, three non-public officers appointed by the Education CS and the college’s chief administrator as a non-voting ex-officio member.

The board would have authority over the college’s assets, student fees, finances, partnerships and student discipline, subject to the law. 

Each campus would also have an institutional administrator responsible for its day-to-day management and delivery of pre-service education. 

Further, the Bill provides that assets, liabilities, rights and obligations currently held by the 32 institutions would transfer to the Kenya Teachers Training College upon commencement of the law. 

The proposed consolidation is part of a broader overhaul of teacher training, covering both preparation before entering the classroom and professional development as careers progress, under the Bill sponsored by Kikuyu Member of Parliament Kimani Ichung’wah.