Ministry of Education to scrap KNEC exams in TVET reforms

TVET Principal Secretary Esther Muoria, Toyota Kenya representative Florence Suji and Machakos Technical Training Insitute for the Blind Principal Priscillah Mutua during the commissioning of equipment donated by Toyota Kenya Foundation on March 8, 2023. [John Muia, Standard]

The government plans to abolish Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) examination in polytechnic and TVET institutions in the country.

National polytechnics approved by the Kenya National Qualifications Authority will now start offering certification to students.

Students will be examined by a special TVET examination board that will be set in the institutions and awarded with diplomas and certificates.

Technical and Vocational Training Board Esther Muoria says students who join different universities are trained, examined and graduate in the same institution and this should also be done to those in national polytechnics.

She was speaking during the handover of dairy processing unit set up by the Canadian government in Nyeri through the Kenya Education for Employment Programme (KEFEP).

"Just as the university trains and examines their students and awards them with degrees I don't see any reason for those in TVET institutions to be examined by the Kenya National Examination council for them to be qualified," said Dr Muoria.

She added that the national polytechnics will liaise with TVET Authority to ensure that all polytechnics and vocational training institutions have an examining body.

"The ministry is charged with the responsibility of producing skilled youths which is much needed than academic papers. Chinese contractors have come to me saying they are not interested in papers but the skills needed for relevance in the job market if we are to eradicate unemployment," she said.

Canadian High Commissioner Christopher Thornley said that the Canadian government will continue to support Kenya's development objectives focusing on women entrepreneurs and business as well as youth skill development.

"Canadian government has supported 10 national polytechnics as it recognizes the importance of technical vocational training in developing practical skills ,producing critical thinkers and innovators that are required to diversify the economy and gender equality is a core action are, "he said.

Governor Mutahi Kahiga said that highly skilled youths especially in technical subjects will contribute to the growth in the agribusiness sector.

"This dairy plant that has been handed over to the polytechnic will not only help the youth but also the farmers who will deliver their milk at a competitive price to end monopoly in the market.