By Grace Gilo
The center for Teacher Professional Development and Excellence (TPDEX) brought together over 2000 students of Kenyatta University.
The students are set to embark on a 3-month teaching practice journey in preparation for their teaching practicum at the end of the semester.
Kenyatta University is currently the only institution preparing its Competency Based System (CBS) cohorts of teacher graduates.
KU’s Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Waceke Wanjohi, emphasized the university’s role in helping students seamlessly transition into the job market.
“Our students not only learn theory, but they also learn practicals. We have been consistently placing our students in schools for their practicum and ensuring they get assessed,” stated the Ag. VC.
She also highlighted several reasons why the university is considered the best in training teachers, including having a high calibre of professors and faculty, the incorporation of microteaching and technology in instructional methods and a supportive learning environment with excellent facilities.
“We ensure that the students are exposed and practice what they have learnt in class, hence making KU stand out,” she added.
The Vice Chancellor also mentioned the university’s commitment to supporting differently-abled students.
“We have a fully pledged department of early childhood and special needs,” reiterated the VC.
“We have the largest number of differently-abled students among institutions,” she added.
Regarding concerns about the alleged irregularities associated with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) with regards to employment, the TSC chairperson, Dr. Jamleck Muturi John, who was the Chief Guest at the event, assured that the commission is fair to all applicants and that all recruitments adhere to the law.
“We follow the constitution in terms of equity, equality and fairness. Nobody is discriminated in this country when it comes to employment,” he noted.
In attendance also was Prof. James Kung’u, Ag. Deputy vice chancellor (academic), Dr. Caroline Mutwiri, director TPDEX and prof. Samson Ondigi, executive dean, school of education & lifelong learning, who encouraged students to be resilient and adaptable to navigate the challenges ahead.