Thousands of Student Teachers Face Resits After KNEC Results
Many candidates received referrals, while others must restart their training after failing to meet course requirements. The results also arrived ahead of a planned November teacher recruitment exercise by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
Colleges Record Mixed Results
Several teacher training colleges reported high numbers of candidates referred for resits. At Murang’a TTC, 210 of 782 candidates were referred, while only six earned distinctions.
Kenyenya TTC recorded 230 referrals, with no candidate achieving a distinction. Mosoriot TTC reported 927 referrals among 944 candidates, leaving only 17 eligible to graduate.
At Asumbi TTC, 422 candidates were referred out of 750 registered candidates. St Mark’s Kigari TTC recorded 541 referrals, while Tambach TTC reported 578.
Kitui TTC recorded 263 referrals among 851 registered candidates, with nine candidates receiving Course Requirement Not Met (CRNM). Eregi TTC reported 256 referrals, while Madonna TTC recorded 64 referrals in Mathematics alone.
However, some colleges achieved stronger results. Mandera TTC recorded 610 distinctions among 639 candidates, while Bishop Mahon TTC reported no referrals.
Moi TTC Baringo also performed well, with 252 distinctions, 247 credits and 14 referrals. Neema Lutheran TTC recorded 53 distinctions, 74 credits, three referrals and two candidates required to restart.
Why Are So Many Candidates Struggling?
The contrasting results have raised questions about student preparation, teaching quality and examination standards. Some stakeholders have questioned whether the national assessment is too demanding for trainees.
Others have blamed inadequate revision and poor preparation, arguing that candidates must take external examinations more seriously. Concerns have also emerged about technical difficulties associated with the e-assessment system.
Differences in institutional resources, digital access and teaching approaches could also influence performance. However, the available information does not establish the precise causes of the reported results.
What the Grades Mean
A distinction represents the highest grade, followed by Credit 1, Credit 2 and Pass. Candidates receiving referrals must repeat the affected subjects before meeting the qualification requirements.
CRNM means Course Requirement Not Met and may require a candidate to restart the course. Candidates should consult their colleges to establish the exact requirements and procedures applicable to their results.
TSC Recruitment Raises the Stakes
The results were released as TSC prepares for a major teacher recruitment exercise expected in November 2026. TSC Chairperson Jamleck Muturi reportedly indicated that recruitment would follow the completion of national examinations and assessments.
Candidates who passed can collect their result slips from their colleges while awaiting certificates. However, colleges must have cleared their payments before KNEC releases their candidates’ results.
Those with referrals may need to complete outstanding assessments before qualifying for employment. Special Needs Education candidates also depend on their results for potential career advancement and deployment opportunities.
Teacher Training Reforms Continue
The results come amid changes to Kenya’s teacher education programmes following education reform recommendations. A Ministry of Education circular dated January 19, 2026, introduced the Diploma in Teacher Education, Pre-Primary and Primary (DTE, PP & P).
The new three-year programme replaces the separate DECTE and UDECTE pathways. It prepares teachers to handle learners from PP1 and PP2 through Grades 1 to 6.
The reforms also direct colleges to provide the programme on a full-time basis. Graduates may pursue relevant opportunities through county governments or apply for eligible positions through TSC.
What Candidates Should Do Next
Candidates should contact their colleges to confirm result availability and collect their result slips. Those referred should establish which subjects require resits and when the next examinations will take place.
Applicants preparing for TSC recruitment should organise their identification documents and academic credentials. They should also monitor official KNEC and TSC announcements for confirmed application requirements and deadlines.
Candidates whose results remain unavailable because of outstanding college payments should contact their administrations promptly. Those required to restart should seek written clarification about the applicable procedures and requirements.
Questions Remain Over Examination Performance
The significant differences between colleges have renewed calls for closer examination of teacher training outcomes. Stakeholders may seek clarification on assessment standards, reported technical problems and institutional preparedness.
KNEC and the Ministry of Education could help address concerns by providing transparent explanations of the results. Improved digital assessment systems, stronger trainee preparation and targeted support for struggling colleges may also help.
For affected candidates, a referral does not necessarily end their teaching ambitions. Their next steps will depend on meeting the outstanding course requirements and following the relevant examination procedures.
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