PS Want Polytechnics to Do Away With KNEC Exams, Examine Students Independently
The Principal Secretary State Department of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Dr. Esther Muoria, has called for the autonomy of Polytechnics from national examination bodies.
According to Dr. Muoria, some Polytechnics have already developed their syllabus and are independently examining their students, awarding certificates without relying on bodies like the Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC).
“We will be touring the National Polytechnics together with the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) to issue the qualification awarding to these institutions because some of them are already awarding qualifications,” she said.
She said that together with the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA), they would tour the National Polytechnics to issue the qualification awarding to these institutions because some of them are already awarding qualifications.
The PS posed a question, asking why students were trained and examined by KNEC, whereas in universities, students were admitted, trained, examined, graduated and certified on the same plane.
She said that the institutions are going to be well-checked by TVETA so that the certificates they issue will be globally recognized.
The CICAN program aims to strengthen the quality of industry response and gender-sensitive skills training programs and deliver trainees who meet requirements of the current job market.
In his remarks, which were read on his behalf by PS Muoria, Education Cabinet Secretary, Ezekiel Machogu thanked the Canadian government for its support which comes at a time when the ministry is instituting reforms in the education sector in support of the revival of technical and vocational training.
He noted that the program had significant positive impacts, key among them being the notable increase in economic opportunities for graduates from TVET institutions building the capacity of TVET institutions and government agencies implementing TVET reform initiatives.
Machogu said that a total of 17 Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) had already been developed and launched in 10 national polytechnics where more than 200 trainees were benefiting from the technical training.
KEFEP has been working with the Kenya School of TVET and 10 national polytechnics to ensure the delivery of CBET courses.
The 10 national polytechnics have partnered with Canadian colleges, which have trained and supported over 350 TVET instructors in curriculum development, developing and reviewing learning materials including lesson plans and assessment tools, as well as procuring the relevant tools and equipment required to effectively implement the CBET courses.
The Canadian High Commissioner to Kenya, Christopher Thornley, Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, TVET Director Tom Mulati, KEFEP Senior Technical Advisor, Joel Oloo, Kenya Association of Technical Training Institutions Principals from various counties, and the Nyeri National Polytechnic Principal David Mwangi were present during the function.
PS Want Polytechnics to Do Away With KNEC Exams, Examine Students Independently