Special Needs Education Courses in Kenya [What you need to know]

Learn more about special needs education courses in Kenya in this article…

Probably you are interested in pursuing special needs education in Kenya (it is one of the highest-paid teaching professions) and would like to learn more about it.

Well, if that’s the case, then read this article to the very end to learn more about special needs education courses in Kenya.

Let us get started…

Table of Contents

Special needs education courses in Kenya

What do special needs education courses entail?

Ideally, the term ‘special needs’ comprises a wide range of disabilities and learning differences, such as physical disabilities, intellectual disabilities, sensory impairments, and learning disabilities.

Needless to say, the importance of special education courses cannot be overstated.

Why so?

These courses typically not only provide you with the knowledge and skills to support students of varying abilities, but they also challenge societal norms by fostering a culture of inclusivity and acceptance.

So, in general, the primary goal of special needs education courses is to provide one with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to meet the needs of special needs learners.

In this regard, you can pursue special needs education in the following areas:

Autism
Emotional & Behavior Difficulties
Hearing Impairment
Deaf/blind
Intellectual Disabilities
Gifted and Talented
Visual Impairment
Physical Disabilities
Learning Disabilities
Inclusive Education

So, what is the role of special needs teachers?

Special needs education teachers play a very important role in in supporting and educating students with various disabilities and special needs.

So, some of your primary duties and responsibilities as a special needs teacher will be as follows:

Developing and implementing individualized education plans (IEPs) for learners with disabilities.
Giving instructions, guidelines, and support to learners with various disabilities in a variety of settings, such as a classroom, the community, and so on.
Collaborating with parents or guardians as well as other professionals (such as speech therapists, occupational therapists, school counselors, and administrators) to ensure that students with disabilities receive the best education possible.
Advocating for the rights of students with disabilities.
Assessing and monitoring the students’ progress and making necessary changes to the instructions you’re using
Keeping detailed records on how your students are progressing
Participating in important professional development activities will keep you up to date on the latest special education trends.
Assisting special needs students in developing social and emotional skills, such as self-regulation and coping strategies.

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Requirements for special needs education in Kenya

The following are the requirements for special needs education courses in Kenya at all levels:

1. Certificate in special needs education

If you want to start at the certificate level, you can pursue certificate in special needs education (Inclusive Education).

Entry requirements: This course is open to teachers, parents, social workers, caregivers, Braille transcribers, and anyone else who has completed Form 4 and has a KCSE minimum mean grade of KCSE D (plain).

Course duration: 1 year

Where to study: Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE)

2. Diploma in special needs education

Entry requirements:

You must have a P1 teacher training Certificate or its equivalent, with a minimum of 2-years teaching experience.

Other qualifications:

A P1 teacher certificate obtained through promotion by Ministry of Education after passing the Teacher Proficiency course (TPC) exams.

An ECDE Certificate from KNEC with at least D+ (plus) in your KCSE plus 2 years of teaching experience.

A P2 Teacher certificate together with a certificate in special needs education (SNE) from Kenya Institute of Special needs (KISE) or any other government recognized institution. You must also have at least D plain in your KCSE. Besides, you must have at least 5-years of working experience.

Course duration: 3 years

Colleges and universities offering diploma in special needs education

Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE) – the best
Machakos Institute of Technology Teachers Training College (MIT TTC)
Moi University
Kenyatta University
Riara University
Mount Kenya University
Maseno University

3. Degree in special needs education requirements

Degree in special needs education primary option

To become a special needs primary school teacher, you must meet the following requirements:

A KCSE minimum grade of C+ (Plus) or its equivalent

Or,

A Diploma in Special Needs from recognized institution with a KCSE mean grade of C (plain)
A P1 certificate plus a Diploma in Special Needs from a recognized institution

Course duration: 4 years

Universities offering degree in special needs education primary option

Karatina University
Kenyatta University
Mount Kenya University

Degree in special needs education secondary option

To become a special needs secondary school teacher, you must meet the following requirements:

You must have a KCSE mean grade of C+ (plus) and above, with at least a C+ (plus) in both English and Mathematics
Be proficient in KSL (Kenyan sign language) for hearing impaired,

And,

Be physically as well as mentally fit to handle and teach students with special needs

Alternative qualifications:

A Diploma in Special Needs Education from a recognized Institution

Course duration: 4 years

Universities offering degree in special needs education secondary option

Kenyatta University
Moi University
Africa Nazarene University
Mount Kenya University
Karatina University

Special needs education courses in Kenya – Final word

So, there’s what you need to know about special needs education in Kenya, including their qualifications and where to study.

For more information, please contact the institution where you wish to pursue the course before applying.

All the best!

ALSO READ:

Fee structure for diploma in special needs education [2023 update]

TSC requirements for diploma in special needs education

Colleges offering diploma in special needs education in Kenya (Updated)

Schools for special needs in Kenya [contacts and location]