The Executive Governing Council of the Kenya National Association of Private Colleges (KENAPCO) has called for the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) to be designated as the sole regulator for the accreditation of TVET institutions and programmes in Kenya.
Led by Chairperson Ekrah Ndungu, the association in a memorandum presented to TVETA outlining key challenges facing private TVET institutions and the broader sector, expressed concern over what it described as duplication of regulatory roles by various state agencies and professional bodies.
According to KENAPCO, the multiple layers of oversight have placed an undue compliance burden on institutions, increasing operational costs and creating confusion within the sector.
The council argued that designating TVETA as the single accrediting authority would streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and provide clarity in programme approval and institutional licensing.
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KENAPCO also raised concerns about the TVETA Annual Quality Assurance fee of Ksh 500 per enrolled trainee, saying that the fee should be calculated based on graduating trainees adding that some students fail to complete their courses.
In response, TVETA Acting Director General Timothy Nyongesa Katiambo said the Government is actively addressing overlaps in regulatory roles, particularly in the medical training field.
He indicated that a clear framework on programme regulation, accreditation, and certificate equation will be issued in due course to harmonize oversight.
Katiambo urged KENAPCO to ensure that member institutions offer only accredited programmes and that institutions operating multiple branches obtain the necessary licenses before commencing operations.
He also emphasized that curricula delivered in partnership with foreign awarding bodies must receive TVETA approval prior to implementation.
The meeting ended with both parties agreeing to continue engaging through consultative forums to address emerging issues and strengthen collaboration between the Authority and private TVET institutions, signaling ongoing efforts to streamline regulation in Kenya’s TVET sector.
By Obegi Malack
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