KUCCPS unveils new teacher upgrade programme to expands education access

The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) has unveiled a new teacher upgrade programme that will allow P1 and Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) certificate holders to advance their qualifications to Diploma level.

The initiative, announced through a statement on Saturday, August 9, 2025, is the latest effort by the placement agency to expand higher education opportunities and meet the demands of Kenya’s evolving education system.

According to KUCCPS, the Diploma in Primary Teacher Education (DPTE) upgrade is open to teachers registered with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).

Successful applicants will choose their preferred Teacher Training College (TTC) and benefit from flexible study schedules.

"The application opened on August 6 2025, and will run continually with brief stops for processing of received applications. The initial deadline is August 20 2025," the statement read.

KUCCPS Chief Executive Officer Agnes Mercy Wahome said the programme is tailored to equip teachers with the skills needed to implement the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system.

“The upgrade programme will ensure there are no shortages of teachers well prepared to deliver the Competency-Based Curriculum, especially at the lower levels of learning,” she noted.

“We encourage all eligible teachers to seize this opportunity to improve their qualifications and contribute to the future of Kenya’s education.”

Applications are being submitted online via a dedicated portal at teachersupgrade.kuccps.ac.ke.

KUCCPS has urged interested teachers to act within the set timelines and take advantage of the flexible training arrangements.

In addition to the teacher upgrade programme, KUCCPS has reopened applications for placement into Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions for the September 2025 intake.

Running from August 8 to August 22, the TVET application drive comes with a reduced fee, slashed from Sh1,500 to Sh500, to encourage uptake.

For more information or assistance with the new teacher upgrade programme or TVET applications, KUCCPS has urged the public to contact its customer service team via [email protected] or by calling 020 5137400 or 0723 954 927.