The Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) has sounded the alarm over institutions issuing certificates without legal approval, cautioning that such qualifications will not be recognised in Kenya. The regulator stressed that only accredited and licensed bodies have the mandate to assess learners and award nationally recognised certificates, urging students and parents to verify accreditation before enrolling.
In a notice issued on Tuesday, March 10, TVETA revealed that it has observed a growing number of training centres issuing what it termed “internal certificates” despite lacking the legal authority to conduct assessments or award qualifications under the Kenya National Qualifications Framework. The authority reminded institutions that no training programme can be offered without prior approval from TVETA.
According to the regulator, recognised academic awards can only be issued by legally established Qualification Awarding Bodies authorised to conduct assessments and confer certificates. TVETA clarified that no private TVET institution has been accredited as a Qualification Awarding Body with the legal mandate to issue nationally recognised qualifications.
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“For an academic certificate to be recognised, the awarding institution must have legal authority, the programme must be approved by the regulator, and the certificate holder must meet the minimum entry requirements for that qualification,” the authority stated.
TVETA warned that certificates issued by unapproved institutions are treated as internal documents and cannot be used for employment, career progression, further education, licensing, or any form of official recognition. The regulator urged trainees, parents, guardians, and employers to remain vigilant and conduct thorough checks before enrolling in training programmes or paying certification fees.
Institutions found misrepresenting their legal status or continuing to issue unauthorised certificates risk facing regulatory and legal action.
TVETA emphasised that protecting learners from exploitation requires collective vigilance, noting that unrecognised certificates undermine both career prospects and the integrity of Kenya’s education system.
By Masaki Enock
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