In Kenya, the requirements for education courses vary depending on the level of education and the specific course of study.

Just so you know, education courses are designed to prepare individuals for careers in teaching, educational administration, curriculum development, counseling, and other related fields.

These courses are offered at various institutions, including universities, colleges, and teacher training institutions.

In this article, we will discuss the requirements for education courses offered in universities and colleges at different levels in Kenya.

But before then, it should be noted that teaching courses are good courses in Kenya since schools are opening now and then and babies are be born each day so staying jobless as long as you have the right qualifications is very rare.

With that said, below are the requirements you must meet.

Let’s get started…………………

Requirements for education courses in Kenya

Certificate in ECDE – PHASED OUT

The certificate program in ECDE typically covers a range of topics related to child development, early education theories and practices, curriculum planning, classroom management, health and safety, and the importance of play in learning.

Also, it emphasizes the significance of creating a nurturing and inclusive environment that supports the unique needs of each child.

Course Entry Requirements:

KCSE D+ plus and above or D plain with proficiency certificate

Diploma in Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE)- PHASED OUT

The Diploma in Early Childhood Education (ECDE) is a good course that is designed to qualify you to teach in early learning environments and make a difference in little learners.

Simply, you will learn how to effectively engage children through visual arts, music, literacy, mathematics, and using the latest technologies and practical skills.
Usually, this programme will also train you at a social level, for instance, how to respond to family diversity, special needs, and linguistically diverse children.

Course Entry Requirements:

To enroll for this Programme, you must meet the following minimum entry requirements.

• A mean grade of C plain in KCSE or equivalent

Or,

• Have a Certificate in ECDE or P2 with proficiency, or C-minus with proficiency

Please note that the above two ECDE Programmes have been stopped due to the change of the education system in Kenya to CBC..

So you can’t do ECDE Anymore

In fact, what the ministry did is actually merge P1 Teacher Training Certificate course with the ECDE Programme..also lumped in there is Diploma in Primary Teacher Education(DPTE)..

So what we now have is a Diploma in Teacher Education(DTE) meaning that you can only enroll for a Diploma in Teacher Education(DTE) henceforth.

And seemingly, a DTE Holder will be teaching pupils from Preprimary One(PP1) to Grade Six!

So beware..

Below are the requirements to pursue the newly create Diploma in Teacher Education(DTE)..

Requirements for diploma in Teacher Education

• KCSE mean grade aggregate- C plain

How long does the diploma in Teacher Education take?

The course takes three years and again you only require to have a C (plain) in your KCSE.

ALSO READ: No more ECDE course in Kenya

Requirements for Secondary School Teachers

To join any institutions to study to become a secondary school teacher, below are the requirements you have to meet.

Diploma in Education Teachers

Minimum Entry Requirements

• Mean grade of C+ plus at KCSE or its equivalent with at least C+ plus or Credit pass in the two teaching subjects or one (1) Principle and two (2) Subsidiaries at ‘A’ level.
• Additionally, you must also have acquired at least C Plain in English and C plain in Mathematics for Science-based courses, or D+ plus in Mathematics in non-science-based courses.

Side note:

• You must also have a Diploma in Education from a recognized Teacher Training Institution.

Diploma in Education for Visually and hearing impaired

To apply for this course, you need to have attained the following grades.

Course requirements:

• A minimum grade of C (Plain) in KCSE and above with at least C minus in English C- minus and in Mathematics for Science-based courses

OR,

• D Plain in Mathematics in non-science-based courses

Bachelor of Education Graduate Teachers

Minimum Entry Requirements

• Mean grade of C+ plus at KCSE
• Additionally, you must also have a C+ plus in each of the two teaching subjects or two (2) principles and one (1) subsidiary pass at the ‘A’ Level.

Besides, you must also have:

• A Bachelor of Education Degree with two (2) teaching subjects OR
• A Bachelor of Science or Arts Degree plus a Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) with two teaching subjects.
• Bachelor of Science with Education / Bachelor of Arts with Education with two teaching subjects.

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Side note: If you are a Bachelor of Education holders with a mean grade of C Plain in your KCSE and C Plain in the two teaching subjects at KCSE and have undertaken a Diploma in Education or gone through the A-level system in the relevant area(s) are eligible.

TVET trainer requirements

To become a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) trainer in Kenya, you need to meet the following requirements.

Entry requirements

• You should have a relevant technical or vocational qualification in the field you want to train in.

This could be a diploma, certificate, or degree from a recognized TVET institution or university for example at KTTC.

• Also, you are required to have practical work experience in the field you wish to train in.

Please note: The specific experience requirements may vary depending on the institution, but having a few years of relevant industry experience is generally expected.

Requirements for a university lecturer

• To become a university lecturer a minimum of a master’s degree is usually required, and in some cases, a Ph.D. may be preferred or mandatory for certain disciplines.

But keep in mind that with a master’s you can be working as a tutorial fellow while you pursue your Ph.D.)

Requirements for Special school education

To do a diploma in Special Needs Education in Kenya, you must possess the following equivalent qualifications.

• Mean grade of C (Plain) at KCSE or Division III at KCE

OR,

• A mean grade of C- (Minus) with a P1 certificate from a recognized Institution.

Requirements for education courses in Kenya-Conclusion

In conclusion, the requirements for education courses in Kenya vary depending on the level of education and the specific program or institution.

Therefore, it’s important to carefully review the admission requirements of the institution you desire to enroll for an education course and consult the respective institutions or their websites for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Remember, as we said each institution may have its own specific requirements and criteria for admission.

Overall, pursuing education courses in Kenya requires a solid academic foundation, meeting the specified minimum grade requirements, and fulfilling any additional criteria set by the institution offering the program.

All the best!

ALSO READ:

TSC requirements for primary teachers

Qualifications to teach in international schools in Kenya

Teaching courses with D plain

The post Requirements for education courses in Kenya [2026 Update] appeared first on Kenya Education Guide.

Schools for special needs in Kenya [Contacts and location]

Please note that this list of schools for special needs in Kenya includes both public and private special needs schools in Kenya and includes special schools in Nairobi as well as a few special schools in Mombasa.

Let’s get started:

Schools for special needs in Kenya [list of special schools in Kenya with contacts and location information]

Kibirigwi Special School

Kibirigwi Special School is one of the best known public special needs school in Kenya and has been operating since 1983.

Telephone: 020 3318581

Acorn Special Tutorials

Acorn is an excellent special education school as well as teacher training facility and it’s one of the best private special schools in Nairobi.

Acorn believes that every child has innate potential to excel in a big way to reach their fullest potential.

Telephone: 0725959137

Aquinoe Learning Centre

Located in Kitale County (along Kapenguria- Lodwar road), Aquinoe Learning Centre mostly serves kids living with disabilities (and many other special needs) in and around Kitale.

Telephone:  0733-750197 /0733-897513 / 0720-286365

Bright Hill Special School and Assessment Centre

Established in 2001, Bright Hills Special needs School offers the 8-4-4 education system and caters to kids with myriad learning difficulties.

Telephone:  0722-352-736 / 0721-597-900

Embu Special School for Mentally Handicapped

Embu Special School is one of the most famous special schools for mentally challenged in the Eastern Kenya region.

Telephone:   +254 068 30199

Homa Bay Children’s Home Academy

This is both a Children’s Home and an inclusive education private Primary School.

It is in Asego (near HomaBay Town).

Telephone: +254 059-22312

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Karatina Special School for Mentally Handicapped

This  public primary school is for intellectually challenged kids and is found in Karatina, Nyeri county.

Telephone: +254 061-20371378

Dagoretti Special School

This is in Uthiru/Ruthimitu and is managed by an NGO/CBO. It is both a day and boarding special school.

Telephone: 0722 299127

Kenya Institute for the Blind

This is one of the most popular special schools for the blind in Kenya (it’s only for the blind).

The is an authorized National Braille Resource Centre(for Blind Persons) by the Education Ministry.

Website: https://keib.or.ke/  (Visit the website for the Kenya society for the blind contacts)

Kibos School for the Blind

This school is in Winam (near Kisumu Town), in Kisumu County.

Telephone: +254 05743135

Kenya Community Centre for Learning (KCCL)

KCCL is a top-notch non-profit making community special school offering alternative education to handicapped learners aged 6 – 21 years.

Website: https://www.kccl.ac.ke/

Mathare Special Training Centre(MSTC)

MSTC is a public education institution for both special education (foundational) and vocational training.

It serves learners with varying degrees of intellectual disability.

Telephone: 0721 652969

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Matharespecial/

Mombasa Secondary School for the Physically Handicapped(MSSPH)

MSSPH was started by Round Table-Mombasa 3- to cater to the learning needs of physically handicapped boys.

Telephone: 0722 303196

S.A Joytown Secondary School – one of the top special schools in Thika

This is one of the most popular special schools for physically challenged learners in Thika (it’s along Kenyatta Highway) and one of the leading special boarding schools in Kenya.

Telephone: 0720 490237 (email: info@sajoytownsecondary.org)

The Grangeville School

Grangeville School is one of the special international schools offering British School Curriculum in Kenya.

Telephone: 0716 916274

The Salvation Army Thika Primary

The Salvation Army sponsored Thika Primary is one of the oldest special schools in Thika.

Telephone:   +254 06721691

·  Special schools for the deaf in Kenya

Iten School for the Deaf

This public special school is located in Keiyo North (Kamariny area)- Sergoit Road, Iten.

Telephone:  +254-053-52045

Kaaga School for the Deaf

This public primary special school is in Mulathankari (Miriga Mieru East), near Meru Town

Telephone: (254) 64 – 32207

Kambui School for the Deaf  -One of the special schools in Kiambu county

Kambui School is in Ting’ang’a, Kiambu road, Kiambu.

Telephone: 020 2091354

Kapsabet School for the Deaf

Kapsabet School for the Deaf is in Emgwen Location, Kapsabet sub-county in Nandi North.

Telephone: 053 52045

Kerugoya School for the Deaf

This public primary special school is in Kerugoya, Kirinyaga county.

Telephone: +254-060-21221

Kibarani School for the Deaf

Kibarani is adjacent To Kibarani Primary School along Kilifi-Ganze Road in Kilifi township.

Telephone: +254207122005

Kitui School for the Deaf

Kitui School for the Deaf(KSTD) is located along Kalimani road in Kitui.

Telephone: +254 044 23053

Kuja Special Secondary School for the Deaf

Kuja Special Secondary School is l in Central Kamagambo in Rongo, Migori County

Telephone: 059 42057

St Anthony School for the Deaf

This is in Webuye…

Kabuchai school for Hearing Impaired

This is in Kabuchai…

Model Center for Deaf Education and Training

Model Center for the deal is in Kitengela, Ololoitikoshi.

Telephone: 0722948565

Mumias Primary School for the Deaf

This is a government special needs boarding school (Boys and Girls) that caters to the educational needs of special needs students.

The school is located in Mumias.

Telephone: 056 641007

Tumu Tumu School for the Deaf

Tumu Tumu School for the Deaf is a special needs public institution in Mathira, Nyeri county.

Email address: tumutumuschdeaf@yahoo.com

Ziwani School for the Deaf

Located in Mombasa (in Tudor), Ziwani School for the Deaf is a special needs public primary school.

Telephone: 020 3318581

Rev. Muhoro Secondary School

This school for the Deaf is in Mukurwe-Ini (Nyeri county) .

Rev Muhoro  is one of the best known special needs secondary schools in Kenya.

Telephone:  0719822683

Chekombero Special School for the Deaf

Chekombero. is a special needs public primary school in Sabatia (near Busali East Town), Sabatia Constituency.

Telephone: Not available

Karen Technical Training Institute

This is a dedicated vocational and technical skills training school for the deaf and one of the biggest public special needs technical institutes in Kenya.

Website: http://kttideaf.ac.ke/

Kimwanga School for the Hearing Impaired

This is in Kimwanga, Bumula sub county, Bungoma County

Ngara school for the deaf

Another school with a good reputation among the special schools and units in Nairobi County is the Ngara school for the deaf.

Telephone: +254 051-41151 / 0722-362086

Schools for special needs in Kenya – Frequently asked Questions (FAQs)

How many special schools are there in Kenya?

We counted about 46 special schools when compiling this  article.

We think there are more if you include those that appear in the ministry of education’s list of special secondary schools in Kenya so you have many options.

ALSO READ:

Autism schools in Kenya [Contacts and location]

Colleges offering Special education in Kenya

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Autism schools in Kenya [Contacts and location]

Here is a list of autism schools in Kenya you can take your child for academics, social development, and more (to put them on their path to success):

Autism School International (Thika)- one of the best autism international schools in Kenya

Autism School International is a comprehensive special needs training school for kids with autism (and many other learning disabilities).

The aim of this international autism school is to foster independence of these kids through education and nurturing of their diverse talents.

Autism School International contacts and location

Location: Tola, Ngoingwa Estate (Juja sub-county) in Thika, Kiambu County.

Telephone: 0721282123

Website: https://autismschoolinternational.org/

Fairmile school

Fairmile School is a reputable special needs program offering academic interventions, paramedical interventions, early developmental interventions, sonrise program, social therapy, horse therapy interventions,  and several other extra-curricular activities for children with learning challenges.

Fairmile also runs a sensory integration program for their students as well as children from outside their program.

The school has been operating for 31+ years and runs an additional boarding autism centre  in western Kenya.

Fairmile school contacts and location

Location: Waiyaki way, just before Sodom bus stop/station, Nairobi.

Telephone: 0721 699844

Website: N/A

Kenya Community Centre for Learning(KCCFL)

KCCFL is a centre that offers customized education to children with special needs in Kenya.

KCCFL programs are holistic and caters to all common learning disabilities -from mild disability to severe and to PMLDS).

Also, there are good facilities here to help your child achieve independence and live a happy life afterward.

Kenya Community Centre for Learning contacts and location

Location: Roysambu, behind T.R.M

Telephone: 0721 324894

Website: N/A

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Acorn Special Tutorials

Acorn Special Tutorials provide the following for children with special needs:

• Auditory integration training
• Individualized educational programs
• Early intervention programs
• Academic assessments
• Remedial classes

Your child will also enjoy a plethora of extracurricular activities including gymnastics, music, swimming, dancing, and horse riding.

You can also undergo essential training under their Parents and Care-givers training program.

Acorn Special Tutorials contacts and location

Location:  Muhuri Road, Nairobi

Telephone: 0725 959137

Website: N/A

Treeside Special School (for the MH)

This is yet another super homely special school (primary and secondary) for children with special needs.

It’s located in a massive compound and has rich individualized educational programs that fit every child’s needs.

Treeside Special School contacts and location

Location:  Nairobi West, Nairobi

Telephone: 0724 481606

Website: Check their Facebook page here

Jacaranda School

One special public primary school worth checking out if your kid is abled differently is the Jacaranda School.

Not only do they take very good care of kids with special needs but they also ensure that your child is exposed to a range of programs and activities to help him/her grow up to be self-reliant.

Jacaranda School contacts and location

Location: Kilimani, Westlands, Nairobi county

Telephone: 0710 492804

Website: N/A

Nairobi Early Intervention Centre(NEIC)

Nairobi Early Intervention Centre offers both day and boarding SNE(special needs education) to kids with special needs and has been attracting raving reviews because of the way they handle kids who’re talented differently.

Like the rest, NEIC’s programs are tailored to kids with autism (and down syndrome).

Nairobi Early Intervention Center contacts and location

Location: Amboseli Gardens, Nairobi

Telephone: 0722 987077

Website: Visit their Facebook page here

Kenya Institute of Special Education (kise)

Here you’ll find amazing infrastructure, excellently maintained lawns, respectful staff, and a very friendly environment overall.

If your kid has autism and you are wondering where to begin, go and make an appointment here- they will help you chart the way forward and the guys at KISE are really experienced.

Kenya Institute of Special Education contacts and location

Location: Kasarani, Thika Superhighway(via Exit 8)- they’re just Off Kasarani-Mwiki Road in the area where ICIPE is.

Telephone: 0724 269505

Website: https://www.kise.ac.ke/

Chatfield Learners Intervention Center

There are some nice programs- vocational, life skills, and more- for every child with Autism here (every kid is helped to learn through their own self experience).

And we also loved the very conducive and warm environment.

For these reasons, we highly recommend Chatfield Learners Intervention Center to any parent or caregiver with a special needs child.

Chatfield Learners Intervention Center contacts and location

Location:  Kwa Nyasi Road, Karen-Nairobi

Telephone: +254725986284

Website: https://chatfieldlearners.co.ke/

Holmeside School

Holmeside is another popular day and boarding school for kids with developmental disorders like Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADHD, etc.

The institution also educates kids with specific learning challenges like Dyslexia and Dyscalculia.

Please note that Holmeside educates children (from Year 1 – Year 11) under the British National Curriculum(BNC).

Holmeside School contacts and location

Location:  Dagoretti Road, Nairobi

Telephone: 0715 520598

Website: Visit Holmeside school’s Facebook page here

Other autism schools in Kenya

1. The Grangeville School– one of the special International schools in Kenya offering British School Curriculum.
2. Circle Academy– the academy provides a lot of support and educational services for both children and parents.
3. Bright Hills Special School and Assessment Centre – Bright Hills is located along Muranga Road, Kahawa Sukari-Nairobi. Call 0722 352736 for more details.
4. Nyeri Autism and Cerebral-palsy Center– if you’re in Nyeri or its environs, you can check Nyeri autism center. They’re within Eastgate KAG Church (in Nyeri) and you can call them on 0720 294099

Wrapping it up

So these are the best-known autism schools in Kenya if you’re looking for a good school for your child.

Visit them and compare their offers then make a decision.

Oh, and don’t forget to reach out to the Kenya autism society– they have great initiatives dedicated to helping kids living with autism live a better life and they can help unlock a brighter future for your son/daughter.

ALSO READ:

Functions of KNEC and Challenges Facing KNEC

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