Scrapping of KNEC Examinations Part of TVET Reforms
The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) examinations are set to be phased out of Technical and Vocational Training (TVET) institutions.
According to the government, students will be able to get certification from national polytechnics that have received accreditation from the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA).
A specific TVET examination board will examine learners in the institutions and be charged with issuing degrees and certificates.
According to the Chairperson of the Technical and Vocational Training Commission Esther Muroia, students who attend different universities are trained, tested and graduated at the same institution. This same situation should also apply to students who attend national polytechnics.
Muoria was speaking during the handover event of the dairy processing unit set up by the Canadian Government in Nyeri through the Kenya Education for Employment Programme (KEEEP).
“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 Examinations Council (KNEC) for them to be qualified,” said Esther Muoria.
She also said that national polytechnics will collaborate with TVET Authority to ensure that all polytechnics and vocational training institutions have an examination 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,” said Muoria.
The Canadian High Commissioner Christoper Thornley said that the Canadian government will keep supporting Kenya’s development objectives to boost women entrepreneurs and business as well as youth skill development.
“The 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 area,” he said.
Governor Mutahi Kahiga said that highly skilled youths especially those skilled in technical subjects will play a huge role in the growth of the agribusiness sector.
“This dairy plant that has been handed over to the polytechnic will only help the youth but also the farmers who will deliver their milk at a competitive price to end market monopoly,” he said.
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