The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has issued a stern directive to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions still offering outdated Business and Technical courses, warning that such programs will no longer be supported after November 2025.
In a circular dated May 5, 2025, addressed to Regional and County TVET Directors, heads of institutions, and Sub County Directors of Education, KNEC CEO Dr David Njengere, MBS, emphasized that the Council has allowed ample time for institutions to transition to modern, modular curricula developed by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD).
“TVET curricula and syllabi have been under review by the KICD since 2009,” said Dr. Njengere. “In the review, non-modular courses have gradually been replaced by modular TVET courses.”
He further revealed that despite clear guidelines, some institutions have continued to exploit transitional provisions intended for candidates with referrals to admit new students into expired programs.
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“KNEC has been offering candidates with referrals in the phased-out courses opportunities to register and sit the affected papers. However, some institutions have often used this as a loophole to register fresh candidates in the expired courses,” he stated.
According to the Council, examinations for the phased-out non-modular courses will be administered for the last time in November 2025. After that, no further registration for these courses will be allowed. The modular courses that replaced them will also be phased out progressively until November 2027.
“KNEC wishes to notify the institutions still offering the expired courses that examinations for the phased-out courses will be offered for the last time in November 2025,” Dr Njengere said, adding that “there will be no registration of candidates for these courses after November 2025.”
The directive is expected to affect several institutions that are still operating outdated curricula. KNEC has included comprehensive lists of expired and replacement courses in the accompanying appendices.
This move is part of broader reforms within the TVET sector aimed at aligning training with current industry demands and improving the quality of graduates entering the job market.
By Joseph Mambili
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