Senator Mwaruma questions delays in Teacher Training College admissions
By Emmanuel Rono, June 2, 2026Taita Taveta Senator Johnes Mwaruma has sought a statement from the Senate Committee on Education over delayed admissions into teacher training colleges, warning that the continued closure of the application portal could disadvantage learners seeking to join the teaching profession.
Rising in the Senate Chamber on Tuesday, June 2 2026, the Senator called for urgent clarification on why the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) portal for diploma teacher training programmes has not been opened.
“The delay in opening the KUCCPS portal risks locking out learners who are ready and passionate about joining the teaching profession. The Committee should establish why applications remain disabled and when the matter will be resolved,” Mwaruma said.
Standing Order 53(1)
Acting under Standing Order 53(1), the Senator asked the committee to investigate the reasons behind the delay and provide clear timelines for the reopening of applications into teacher training colleges.
He further requested a comprehensive list of all approved teacher training colleges in the country, both public and private, alongside their capacity in terms of student enrollment, teaching staff, and non-teaching staff.
Sen Mwaruma further wants the Committee to clarify the fees charged by the colleges per learner, together with the Government’s capitation support.
Disbursement of capitation
He asked the Committee to indicate whether the capitation is disbursed at once or in tranches, and to specify the number and amount per tranche for the year.
“The country must have clarity on the cost of teacher training, the level of Government support and whether learners in these colleges can benefit from HELB. These are issues that directly affect access, affordability and planning for students and their families,” he said.
The Senator also pressed for clarity on whether trainees in teacher training colleges are eligible for support from the Higher Education Loans Board, noting that financial access remains a key barrier for many students pursuing education careers.