Government Moves to Merge 32 Teacher Training Colleges into One Institution

Parliament is reviewing a bill that proposes merging 32 public Teacher Training Colleges into a single entity named the Kenya Teachers Training College. This move aims to unify pre-service teacher education and in-service training under one institution.

Details of the Proposed Merger

According to the Pre-Service Education and In-Service Training Bill, 2026, the affected colleges will cease to exist as independent entities and instead operate as campuses of the new college. The campuses include institutions such as Aberdare, Asumbi, Moi Baringo, Bishop Mahon, Bondo, Borabu, Bunyore, Chesta, Galana, Garissa, Kaimosi, Kamwenja, Kenyenya, Kericho, Kitui, Kwale, Machakos, Mandera, Meru, Migori, Mosoriot, Murang’a, Narok, Seme, Shanzu, Tambach, Thogoto, Ugenya, as well as Saint Lawrence Egoji, Saint Augustine Eregi, Saint Mark’s Kigari, and Saint John’s Kilimambogo Teacher Training Colleges.

Governance and Operations

The Kenya Teachers Training College will be established as a corporate body responsible for coordinating teacher education across all campuses. Its duties will include conducting research, offering consultancy services, and advising the Education Cabinet Secretary on teacher training matters.

Staff currently employed at the individual colleges will become employees of the new institution, and all previously issued certificates and diplomas will remain valid.

The college will be governed by a board chaired by a presidential appointee. Membership will include key government officials such as the Principal Secretaries of Basic Education and National Treasury, the Teachers Service Commission Secretary, the Attorney-General, the Secretary of the Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee, the Director of the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development, three non-public members appointed by the Education Cabinet Secretary, and the college’s chief administrator as a non-voting member.

The board will oversee the college’s assets, finances, student fees, partnerships, and discipline. Each campus will have an institutional administrator responsible for daily management and educational delivery.

Asset and Liability Transfer

All assets, liabilities, rights, and obligations held by the 32 colleges will transfer to the Kenya Teachers Training College once the law takes effect.

Broader Context

This consolidation is part of a wider reform of teacher training in Kenya, addressing both initial teacher preparation and ongoing professional development. The Bill is sponsored by Kikuyu Member of Parliament Kimani Ichung’wah, who is also the National Assembly Majority Leader.