Industrial training providers in Kenya could soon be classified into two categories and required to undertake continuous professional development to retain their accreditation. The National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) has presented these and other proposals to the sector ahead of a virtual stakeholder engagement forum.
In a circular to assessment centre managers and lead trainers, NITA invited them to the forum on Friday, November 13, 2026, at 9.00 a.m. Participants will receive the meeting link ahead of the session.
Six proposals are up for discussion, all touching on how training providers, assessment centres and practitioners are accredited and registered.
Proposed accreditation changes
First, NITA wants to introduce an Industrial Pedagogy and Work-Based Trainer Certification Programme. It would serve as a professional certification programme for industrial training practitioners.
Second, the Authority proposes to classify training providers into Class A and Class B. It has not yet indicated what will distinguish the two classes.
Renewal of accreditation could also become harder to secure. Under another proposal, providers would have to meet Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements before their accreditation is renewed.
Online delivery is covered too. NITA plans to accredit online training providers and approve guidelines for that purpose.
Practitioners are not left out. Trainers, assessors and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) practitioners would all be registered under the proposed framework.
Finally, assessment centres would be required to pay accreditation fees, a charge that does not currently exist.
NITA says the reforms are intended to improve quality, promote professionalism and strengthen compliance. They also aim to accommodate emerging training delivery models and improve the overall effectiveness of the industrial training ecosystem.
Stakeholders invited to shape reforms
Consultation comes before approval. Citing Article 232 of the Constitution, which provides for public participation, transparency and accountability, the Authority says it must hear from those directly involved in delivering and assessing industrial training.
Only then will the proposals go to the NITA Board for consideration and final approval.
Reform, in NITA's view, will succeed only if the people who must apply the rules understand and own them.
For that reason, the Authority said it is approaching the forum with humility and an open mind. It described feedback, concerns, recommendations and constructive criticism as invaluable in making the final framework practical, inclusive and responsive to industry needs.
NITA also stressed that it considers training providers and assessment centres strategic partners.
It said it remains committed to creating an enabling environment in which quality training institutions can grow.
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