INTRODUCTION:
There has been a significant rise in the demand for qualified Physical Education (PE) personnel in schools, teacher training colleges, and universities across Kenya. Due to a shortage of professionally trained PE teachers, many institutions have resorted to employing non-PE graduates to fill the gap. While this has helped ease staffing challenges, it has also led to a decline in the quality of PE instruction and coaching standards, as these graduates often lack both pedagogical grounding and practical expertise in the discipline.
This challenge is further amplified by the implementation of Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), which recognizes Physical Education not only as a core learning area but also as a standalone pathway at the senior school level. As a result, there is now an even greater demand for professionally trained educators who can deliver PE in a way that aligns with the CBC’s emphasis on holistic development, physical literacy, health promotion, and talent identification. However, many of the non-PE graduates currently teaching in the field do not qualify for entry into Master’s programs in Physical Education, and there is currently no structured avenue for them to acquire the specialized training needed to meet the new curriculum demands.
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:
The program aims at achieving the following objectives:
1. To equip learners with foundational and advanced knowledge in Physical Education, including anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, motor learning, and curriculum design.
2. To develop pedagogical competencies necessary for effective teaching, assessment, and management of Physical Education in diverse educational settings.
3. To enhance practical skills in a wide range of physical activities, games, and sports, including adaptations for inclusive education.
4. To prepare learners to implement Physical Education effectively within the framework of the CBC, including integration of values, core competencies, and learning areas.
5. To provide a pathway for academic progression, allowing graduates of the PGD in PE to qualify for admission into Master's programs in Physical Education and related fields.
6. To address the national and regional shortage of qualified PE professionals, particularly in public and private schools, teacher training colleges, and community-based programs.
RATIONALE:
The implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) in Kenya has elevated Physical Education (PE) to a core subject and a recognized pathway at senior school level, significantly increasing the demand for qualified PE teachers. However, the existing shortage of professionally trained personnel has led to the widespread employment of non-PE graduates, many of whom lack the pedagogical and practical expertise required to deliver quality instruction aligned with CBC objectives.
These non-PE graduates are currently excluded from Master's level training in Physical Education, leaving a critical skills gap and no clear pathway for professional advancement. The proposed Postgraduate Diploma in Physical Education at Kenyatta University seeks to address this gap by equipping such individuals with the necessary competencies to teach effectively, improve standards in schools and colleges, and qualify for further academic progression. This program is therefore a timely and strategic response to Kenya's evolving educational landscape and the urgent need for skilled PE professionals
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
To be eligible for admission into the Postgraduate Diploma in Physical Education, applicants must meet the minimum university requirements for admission into postgraduate diploma programs as stipulated by Kenyatta University Senate. They must also hold a Bachelor’s degree in Education Science or Arts from a recognized university with no specialization in Physical Education.
MODE AND STRUCTURE OF DELIVERY:
The Postgraduate Diploma in Physical Education is designed with flexible delivery modes to cater to diverse learners, including in-service teachers, working professionals, and recent graduates from non-PE backgrounds. The program will be offered in the following modes:
1. Full-Time Mode (Regular)
2. Part-time (under the Continuing Education Program [CEP])
PROGRAM DURATION
The duration of the Programme will be one and half academic years during which a minimum of 14 units of at least 35 contact hours and Teaching Practice covered
CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS
The 14th unit will be Subject methods in Physical Education offered in the Department of Education Communication and Technology as ECT723. In addition to the 14 units, each applicant will be expected to undertake Teaching Practice (ECT/PG/TP) as stipulated for postgraduate diploma students in the School of Education which will constitute the 15th unit. NB: Applicants should register for ECT 723 and ECT/PG/TP in consultation with the department of Education Communication and Technology and the Director Teaching Practice.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Graduates of the Postgraduate Diploma in Physical Education will be equipped with a broad set of theoretical, pedagogical, and practical skills, opening up opportunities in various sectors. These include:
1. Education Sector as Physical Education Teachers in primary or secondary schools (public and private), PE Instructor in teacher training colleges and technical institutions, Curriculum Support Officer (for Physical Education in county education offices)
2. Sports and Recreation Sector as a Community Sports Coach, Youth Sports Development Officer, School Sports Organizer or Director of Sports
3. Health and Wellness Sector as a Health and Wellness Educator in schools or NGOs, Physical Activity Facilitator in public health and outreach programs, Lifestyle Coach focusing on physical fitness and well-being and Fitness Instructor (in schools, gyms, wellness centers, or corporate settings)
4. Special Needs and Inclusive Education as Adapted Physical Education Instructor for learners with disabilities and Therapeutic Movement Facilitator in rehabilitation or special education centers
5. Policy and Program Development as Education Policy Advisor (with focus on PE and sports in schools), program Coordinator for NGOs or government projects related to physical activity, youth development, and education
6. Pathway to Further Studies
Eligibility for Master’s Degree in Physical Education or related fields, such as Special Needs Education (PE focus)
TUTION AND FEE’S STRUCTURE:
Fee Category Regular Students CEP Students
Tuition (per semester) KSh 163,200 KSh 108,800
Additional charges (registration, medical, ID, internet, etc.) KSh 22,000–25,000 KSh 22,000–25,000
WHY CHOOSE THIS PROGRAM AT KU?
Potential students should consider applying for Postgraduate Diploma in PE at Kenyatta University because of the following reasons:
i) KU is a National Leader in Physical Education and Sports with a long-standing reputation for producing highly competent professionals in PE.
ii) The program is uniquely designed to meet the growing need for professionally trained Physical Education teachers and instructors, particularly in light of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), which has elevated PE to a core subject and a career pathway in Kenyan schools.
iii) The program offers Flexible Learning Modes to accommodate applicants’ schedule without compromising the quality of training.
iv) The program offers applicants opportunity for Career Advancement and Academic Progression to a Master's degree in Physical Education or related fields, opening doors to advanced studies and new career paths in education, sports, health, and wellness.
v) KU offers applicants access to World-Class sports facilities and a dedicated department with highly qualified faculty, as well as practical, hands-on approach to learning that ensures readiness for the real-world teaching and coaching environments.
