Nyeri National Polytechnic Granted Qualification Awarding Institution Certification by KNQA
The Nyeri National Polytechnic has achieved a major milestone in the field of vocational training after receiving the Qualification Awarding Institution Certification (QAI) from the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA).
This certification is equivalent to a university charter and means that the polytechnic can now train, assess and award certificates to students independently.
QAI Certification
The QAI certification also means that the polytechnic can develop Competency-Based Education and Training Curriculum (CBET), which can be used by other vocational training colleges to train and assess students. Additionally, with QAI, the polytechnic can certify students who previously held government trade certificates.
According to the Principal Secretary for Technical, Vocational Education and Training, Dr Esther Muoria, the Nyeri National Polytechnic is the third institution in Kenya to receive the certification after Meru and Kenya Coast National polytechnics received theirs in March this year.
Dr Muoria termed the move as a game changer in vocational training and explained that the certified polytechnics are continuing to develop qualifications that will be offered across the country.
From Nyeri, the certification process will proceed to Eldoret, Sigalagala, and Kisumu until all national polytechnics receive their QAI.
Streamlining TVETs
There has been a push to streamline Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVETs) in Kenya to ensure that they impart practical skills to learners and that the skills offered are relevant to the market demands.
Speaking during the ceremony, KNQA’s Acting Director General, Alice Kande, said that the agency would ensure that qualifications offered by TVETs meet the requirements of the Kenya National Qualification Framework.
Ms Kande said that KNQA was also keen on ensuring that the qualifications offered are globally competitive and that those who graduate can get jobs in any part of the world.
Nyeri National Polytechnic Granted Qualification Awarding Institution Certification by KNQA
The Nyeri National Polytechnic principal, Mr David Mwangi, explained that the QAI certification will ensure that TVETs transition from the technology-based curriculum to the skill-based curriculum.
Previously, TVETs have been accused of infringing on the university model by becoming too theoretical and failing to offer enough practical experience to learners.
Mr Mwangi said that the polytechnic has so far developed 19 curriculums in level V and level VI under the CBET programme, with each level recording enrollment of students.
Mwangi added that the polytechnic had also developed another 72 curriculums, with 32 of the courses giving exemptions to students who have previous training in the area of expertise.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Mr Mwangi further explained that the awarding of the certificate opens doors for those with technical skills but lack certification.
A total of 32 areas that the polytechnic has developed are recognizing prior learning.
The industry and the Jua kali sector are invited to know that they can be certified where they have skills but do not have the certificate.
The QAI certification awarded to the Nyeri National Polytechnic marks a significant step in the improvement of vocational training in Kenya.
This certification ensures that TVETs can offer practical training that is relevant to the market demands, and the graduates can compete globally.
The recognition of prior learning also means that individuals with technical skills but lack certification can now receive certificates and compete for jobs on a global level.
The move to streamline TVETs is a step towards the realization of Kenya’s Vision 2030, which aims to make Kenya a globally competitive and prosperous country.
Nyeri National Polytechnic Granted Qualification Awarding Institution Certification by KNQA