The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has announced the final phase-out of several outdated Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes, setting November 2025 as the last examination date for the affected courses.
In a circular dated May 5, 2025, KNEC CEO Dr. David Njengere stated that institutions offering these non-modular programmes must stop registering new students beyond the November exams. The decision follows concerns that some institutions have continued admitting new students into obsolete programmes, exploiting transitional allowances meant only for referred candidates.
The affected courses span across engineering, ICT, business, hospitality, and applied sciences. Many of them are being replaced by modular, competency-based alternatives developed by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), while others are being discontinued altogether due to low enrolment.
Among the engineering and technical courses being replaced are the Craft Certificates in Mechanical, Automotive, and Electrical Engineering, which will transition to courses like 1501, 1503, and 1504 respectively. Similarly, the Diploma in Civil Engineering (2307) will become 2707, while the Diploma in Architecture (2709/2909) will transition to 2710.
In the business category, popular courses such as the Craft Certificate in Secretarial Studies (1801) and Diploma in Business Administration (2806) are being replaced with newer programmes under codes like 1901 and 2906. However, some programmes such as the Craft Certificate in Investment Management (1924) and the Diploma in Labour Studies and Management (2811) have been scrapped entirely, with no replacements offered due to poor uptake.
Additionally, the Higher Diploma in Marketing (3802) will be discontinued for the same reason.
Dr. Njengere emphasized that the reforms are meant to align Kenya’s training systems with the needs of a modern workforce. Institutions are advised to migrate to approved modular curricula or risk sanctions. The changes mark a critical step in streamlining the country’s technical education system, enhancing relevance, and improving employability outcomes for graduates.
