According to the government, the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) examination will be phased out in the country’s polytechnic and TVET institutions.
Students will now be able to obtain certification from national polytechnics that have been accredited by the Kenya National Qualifications Authority.
Students will be examined by a specific TVET examination board set up in the institutions and will be granted degrees and certificates.
Technical and Vocational Training Commission According to Esther Muoria, students who attend different universities are trained, tested, and graduated at the same institution, and this should also be done for those who attend 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.
