KNEC has drawn a line in the sand for TVET institutions that are still running old Business and Technical courses. In a bold move, KNEC has announced that support for these old programs will end in November 2025.
Out with the Old: Modular Learning is the Way
In a circular dated May 5, 2025, KNEC CEO Dr. David Njengere, MBS addressed Regional and County TVET Directors, Sub County Directors of Education and institutional heads. He said there’s been enough time to transition to the modern modular curricula developed by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD).
“TVET curricula and syllabi have been under review by KICD since 2009,” noted Dr. Njengere. “Over time the non-modular courses have been replaced with more practical and industry aligned modular programs.”
Institutions Misusing Transition Period
Despite these long standing efforts some institutions are taking advantage of the transition period meant for students who had previously failed (referred candidates). Instead of closing admissions they are enrolling new students into already phased out courses—a practice that goes against the Council’s guidelines.
“KNEC has continued to offer exam opportunities for candidates with referrals in phased out courses,” Dr. Njengere explained. “Unfortunately some institutions are misusing this provision by registering fresh candidates for these outdated programs.”
The Final Deadline: November 2025
KNEC has now confirmed that the last exam for the old non-modular programs will be in November 2025. After this date no new candidate will be allowed to register for these courses under any circumstances.
“There will be no registration of candidates for these courses after November 2025,” Dr. Njengere said.
And even the modular courses that were introduced as replacements will themselves be phased out by November 2027 as part of the ongoing curriculum updates.
Institutions on Notice
This will be a big blow for institutions that have been slow to adapt. KNEC has already provided a list of discontinued programs and their approved replacements in the circular’s appendices.
TVET Aligned to Industry
This is part of the overall TVET reform to ensure training is industry aligned and graduates are equipped for the current job market.
KNEC is saying loud and clear: the future of vocational education is in modern, modular training that reflects today’s industry. Institutions that don’t keep up will be left behind.
