Diploma in Special Needs Education (SNE) in Kenya – Requirements, Application & Fees

Diploma in Special Needs Education (SNE) in Kenya – Full Guide
The Diploma in Special Needs Education (SNE) is a two-year program designed for practicing teachers seeking to specialize in the field of special needs. It is offered by accredited Teacher Training Colleges across Kenya, in partnership with the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) and the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE).
Training and Delivery Mode
The course is delivered through a school-based program, allowing teachers to study while still working. Training sessions are held in various centers nationwide, making it accessible to teachers across different regions.
Training centers include:
- KISE Main Campus (Nairobi)
- Shimo La Tewa High School
- Kericho Teachers Training College (TTC)
- Eregi TTC
- Migori TTC
How to Apply
Interested applicants can apply online via the KISE application portal at:
👉 application.kise.ac.ke
Admission Requirements
To qualify for the in-service Diploma in SNE, applicants must:
- Be a TSC-registered teacher
- Have a minimum of two years teaching experience
Specialization Areas Offered
The diploma allows teachers to specialize in a variety of areas, including:
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Emotional and Behavioral Difficulties
- Hearing Impairment
- Deafblindness
- Intellectual Disabilities
- Gifted and Talented Learners
- Visual Impairment
- Physical Disabilities
- Learning Disabilities
- Inclusive Education
KNEC Mid-Course Electronic Assessment
After the first year, teacher trainees undergo a mid-course national electronic assessment administered by KNEC every April. This e-assessment is a critical milestone, and passing it is mandatory for course progression.
Requirements for e-assessment:
Trainees must have a high-performance laptop with the following minimum specifications:
- Licensed Windows 10 (version 22H2+)
- 14-inch screen (minimum resolution 1920×1080)
- Integrated Webcam
- 256GB SSD hard drive
- 8GB RAM
- Intel Core i3 6th Gen or above
- Battery life of 3+ hours
- IEEE 802.11 (ac/g/n) wireless capability
Training centers must also provide:
- Stable internet connectivity
- Reliable power supply
KISE Diploma in SNE – Fees Structure (2-Year Program)
Year 1 Fees Breakdown:
Vote Head | Session 1 | Session 2 | Session 3 | Subtotal |
---|---|---|---|---|
Registration | 3,000 | – | – | 3,000 |
Tuition | 25,810 | 16,000 | 9,610 | 51,420 |
Administration | 3,200 | 3,200 | 3,200 | 9,600 |
Subtotal | 32,010 | 19,200 | 12,810 | 64,020 |
KNEC Exam (Yr 1) | 7,700 | – | – | 7,700 |
Total Year 1 | 39,710 | 19,200 | 12,810 | 71,720 |
Year 2 Fees Breakdown:
Vote Head | Session 4 | Session 5 | Session 6 | Subtotal |
---|---|---|---|---|
Tuition | 21,180 | 11,400 | 6,550 | 39,130 |
Administration | 3,200 | 3,200 | 3,200 | 9,600 |
Subtotal | 24,380 | 14,600 | 9,750 | 48,730 |
KNEC Exam (Yr 2) | 10,600 | – | – | 10,600 |
Total Year 2 | 34,980 | 14,600 | 9,750 | 59,330 |
Grand Total for Entire Program: KES 131,050
Conclusion
The Diploma in Special Needs Education equips teachers with essential skills to effectively support learners with diverse educational needs. Through the KISE-led program, Kenya continues to strengthen its inclusive education framework and build a competent teaching workforce.