Students at Mosoriot Teachers Training College in Nandi County have staged protests following a controversial examination decision that has left hundreds of teacher trainees worried about their academic future.

The demonstrations involved approximately 930 students who are opposing instructions requiring them to repeat examinations they claim they had already sat. The students are demanding answers from the relevant education authorities and want the matter addressed before they are subjected to another examination process.

The protest has brought renewed attention to the challenges facing teacher training colleges in Kenya, particularly following the release of examination results that showed unusually high numbers of candidates being referred for supplementary assessments.

According to a report published on November 6, 2026, the trainees marched to express their dissatisfaction with the requirement to sit examinations again, insisting that they had already completed the affected papers.The demonstrations come at a time when Mosoriot Teachers Training College is facing serious concerns over the performance of its teacher trainees in the recently released Diploma in Primary Teacher Education (DPTE) examination results.

The students are unhappy with the decision requiring them to repeat examinations, arguing that they had already participated in the assessment process. They believe that being instructed to sit the examinations again without satisfactory explanations is unfair.

For the affected trainees, the issue goes beyond examinations. It concerns the time, money and effort they have invested in their education over the past few years.

Many of them joined the institution with the hope of completing their teacher training, graduating and eventually pursuing careers in the education sector.

The demand to repeat examinations has therefore created uncertainty among the students, particularly those who expected to complete their studies and move to the next stage of their professional lives.Mosoriot TTC Records Alarming Examination Results

The controversy at Mosoriot TTC follows the release of examination results that revealed a significant number of candidates had not met the requirements for graduation.

According to figures published by a report on October 21, 2026, Mosoriot Teachers Training College recorded 927 candidates referred out of 944 who sat the examinations.

Only 17 candidates qualified for graduation based on the reported results.

This means approximately 98.2 per cent of the candidates were referred, making Mosoriot one of the most affected teacher training institutions in the country.

The figures have shocked students, parents and other education stakeholders because of the unusually high number of candidates who did not qualify for graduation at that stage.One of the major concerns raised by the protesting students is the requirement to repeat examinations they maintain they had already undertaken.

The trainees want the relevant authorities to explain why they are being asked to go through another examination process.

For students who believe they completed their assessments, the directive has raised questions about how their examination records were handled and why another sitting is considered necessary.

They also want their concerns taken seriously by the college administration and examination officials.

The students' position highlights the importance of transparency in national examinations. Candidates need to understand the requirements, procedures and reasons behind decisions affecting their academic progress.

An examination process should provide clear communication to students, particularly when a decision could delay their graduation or require them to spend additional money.The Mosoriot demonstrations are taking place against the background of a wider examination controversy affecting teacher training colleges across Kenya.

Results from several institutions have revealed substantial numbers of teacher trainees who have been referred for additional assessments.

According to a report, 5,348 candidates out of 13,680 from 22 teacher training colleges were referred, while 8,332 qualified for graduation.

Other institutions also recorded significant numbers of referred candidates.

For example:

St Mark's Kigari TTC in Embu recorded 541 referrals out of 860 candidates.

Kaimosi TTC recorded 442 referrals out of 665 candidates.

Asumbi TTC recorded 422 referrals out of 750 candidates.

Thogoto TTC recorded 367 referrals out of 755 candidates.

Borabu TTC recorded 341 referrals out of 627 candidates.Concerns Over the Digital Examination System

Another issue attracting attention in the teacher training sector is the use of digital examination systems.

KNEC has been administering teacher education assessments through electronic platforms, requiring candidates to access examinations using digital devices and online systems.

Although digital examinations are intended to improve efficiency and examination administration, they have also generated concerns among some trainees over technical challenges.

Questions have emerged about internet connectivity, system interruptions, access to examination platforms and the ability of candidates to complete their papers within the allocated time.Where students believe their results do not reflect the examinations they completed, there should be an appropriate process through which their concerns can be examined.

Transparency is particularly important because examination results determine the academic progress of thousands of aspiring teachers.

The authorities should also communicate directly with student representatives and college management to prevent the disagreement from escalating.

Dialogue would help establish the facts, reduce tension and identify a solution that respects both examination standards and students' academic rights.Implications for Kenya's Teacher Training Programme

The Mosoriot situation has also raised broader questions about the country's teacher training system.

Kenya is transitioning from the traditional Primary Teacher Education certificate programme, commonly known as P1, towards diploma-level qualifications for primary school teachers.

The new training structure is intended to strengthen the professional preparation of teachers and improve the quality of education delivered in schools.

However, the high number of examination referrals has raised concerns about whether trainees are receiving sufficient academic support to meet the programme's requirements.

Education stakeholders will be keen to understand why some colleges have recorded significantly higher referral rates than others.There is also a need to examine whether teaching resources, tutor availability, student preparedness and examination arrangements are contributing to the differences.

The government must ensure that the transition to diploma-level teacher training is accompanied by adequate support for institutions and students.

Maintaining high examination standards is important, but students must also receive the necessary preparation and guidance to meet those standards.What Happens Next for the Mosoriot Students?

The next important development will be how the college administration and examination authorities respond to the demonstrations.

The affected students will be looking for clear communication about their examination status and whether the requirement to repeat the disputed papers will remain in place.

They also want their concerns addressed without unnecessary delays that could interfere with their academic progress.

The authorities will need to establish the circumstances surrounding the disputed examinations and explain the available options to the affected candidates.For the students, a satisfactory resolution would provide certainty about their studies and the steps required to complete their teacher training.

The protest also serves as a reminder that communication between educational institutions and students is essential, especially when decisions have serious consequences for academic futures.

As the situation develops, parents, education stakeholders and other Kenyans will be watching closely to see whether the dispute is resolved through dialogue.