REF: RESUMPTION OF STUDIES FOR ALL TEACHER TRAINING COLLEGES IN KENYA
As you are aware, the Cabinet Secretary directed phased out resumption of face to face learning in Tertiary Institutions on 29th September, 2020.
The Ministry has developed health and safety protocols for implementation by all leaning institutions in readiness for the resumption of studies.
These measures are in line with guidelines of the Ministry of Health, which will be relied upon to provide further advice on the COVID-19 containment from time to time.
Consequently, you are directed to ensure compliance with the following Revised Academic Calendar for Teacher Training Colleges in 2020 as per the Cabinet Secretary’s directive:
1. Diploma in Teacher Education (DTE)
| COURSE | OPENING DATE | EXAM DATES | CLOSING DATE | REMARKS |
| 3rd years | 5th October, 2020 | 13th – 15th October, 2020 | 16th October, 2020 | 3rd years will be in college for 2 weeks to complete their KNEC Exams |
| 1st & 2nd years | 19th October, 2020 | – | 18th December, 2020 | Continuing students to be in college for 9 weeks for their third term |
NB: The 2021 Academic Calendar will be released at a later date.
2. Primary Teacher Education (PTE)
| COURSE | OPENING DATE | EXAM DATES | CLOSING DATE | REMARKS |
| Final year PTE | 5th October, 2020 | 23rd November – 2nd December, 2020 | 3rd December, 2020 | Students will be in college for 9 weeks and will do their TP for 1 month when primary schools open |
3. Early childhood Teacher Education
| COURSE | OPENING DATE | EXAM DATES | CLOSING DATE | REMARKS |
| ECDE Certificate and Diploma | 5th October, 2020 | 20th – 23rd October, 2020 | 24th October, 2020 | ECDE candidates will be in college for 3 weeks. Exams to be done on the 3rd week |
| 2nd Years (full time ECDE students) | 26th October, 2020 | – | 18th December, 2020 | Continuing students will be in college for 8 weeks |
NB: The 2021 Academic Calendar will be released at a later date.
Please note the following:
1. All Teacher Training Colleges shall engage with trainees to build confidence about
COVID-19 preventive and control measures to ensure health and safety of the college Community.
2. Teacher Training Colleges shall ensure availability of clean running water for drinking and handwashing.
3. Teacher Training Colleges shall maintain updated bio-data of all trainees and staff and contacts of their parents/guardians for easy management of COVI-19 related emergencies.
4. All Teacher Training Colleges shall ensure trainee transportation in the College buses comply with the Legal Notice No. 50 of 6th April, 2020 which licenses vehicles to carry not more than 50% of the capacity or as shall be advised by relevant authorities from time to time.
5. Colleges shall ensure adequate security and safety measures, including provision of a fence/barrier and guards to restrict unauthorized entry into (and exit from) institutional premises. Visitors shall be restricted to all training institutions.
6. All Teacher Training Colleges shall provide adequate liquid soap, cleaning detergents and disinfectants to ensure proper hygiene practices.
7. AII Principals of Teacher Training Colleges shall ensure daily cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and objects that are frequently touched by many people (stair railings, desk tops, knobs, light switches, walls, desks, door frames and window handles, teaching and learning materials).
8. Teacher Training Colleges shall put up signs and posters that require and remind staff, trainees and visitors to maintain social distancing as well as hand washing and personal hygiene.
9. All Principals of Teacher Training Colleges shall ensure proper use of facial masks or face shields that must be worn by trainees and staff at all times.
10. Principals of Teacher Training Colleges shall ensure educational facilities that were used as quarantine centers are disinfected and confirmed safe and ready to resume operations.
11. All Principals of Teacher Training Colleges shall ensure availability of temperature guns for daily monitoring of body temperature for all trainees and staff.
12. Training Institutions shall strengthen guidance and counselling services and provide psychosocial support to trainees and staff.
13. All institutions shall develop clear and specific institutional based policies, procedures and processes for prevention of spread of COVID-19 in line with the guidelines on health and safety protocols.
14. Institutions shall establish mechanisms for mental, psychosocial and spiritual support to learners, staff and parents,
15. Teacher Training Colleges shall revise rules and regulations to be responsive to the changes occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic including consideration to trainees and staff with preexisting conditions, most vulnerable trainees and those living with disabilities.
16. Each Institution shall constitute a COVID-19 Response Committee and maintain strong networks with the nearest health facility, the County Rapid Response team, National Government Administrative Office and nearest Education Office to strengthen surveillance mechanisms.
17. All training institutions shall align their reopening plans in respect of infrastructure, water and sanitation and hygiene preparedness.
It should be pointed out that the country is still at risk of the COVID-19 Pandemic hence the need for strict adherence to all Government mitigation protocols at all times. Detailed guidelines and protocols for colleges reopening and continued studies are accessible on the Ministry of Education website.
You are required to strictly adhere to the reopening dates and protocols.
Dr. Belio R. Kipsang, CBS
PRINCIPAL SECRETARY