Members of the National Assembly Committee on Education have raised serious concerns about quality assurance and assessment integrity in Kenya’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector.
This emerged during a consultative meeting with the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Curriculum Development, Assessment and Certification Council (TVET CDACC) held on June 23, 2025.
Led by Vice‑Chairperson and Kasipul Kabondo MP Eve Obara, the Committee engaged the Council in a bid to strengthen oversight of the competency‑based training model that has replaced traditional examination‑focused approaches in TVET institutions across the country.
In his presentation, TVET CDACC Chairperson Prof Ahmed Ferej said the Council was committed to producing a globally competitive workforce by shifting from traditional exam‑based methods to a more holistic, formative assessment approach.
“Our vision is to be a centre of excellence in curriculum development, assessment, and certification that produces a globally competitive and skilled workforce. We are moving away from an exam-based system to a more formative assessment model that provides continuous feedback to learners,” Ferej stated.
Legislators’ concerns
Despite this, MPs expressed scepticism about implementation standards across TVET institutions, with several legislators highlighting gaps they have observed during oversight visits.
Kitutu Masaba MP Clive Gisairo questioned training quality at some institutions, citing the absence of essential facilities such as printing presses during past parliamentary visits.
His concerns were echoed by Narok County MP Rebecca Tonkei, who pressed for assurances about assessment integrity, specifically questioning safeguards against examination malpractice and the security of assessment materials.
On the other hand, Luanda MP Dick Maungu called for standardised curricula across all TVET institutions to ensure consistent quality and prevent the graduation of underprepared students who might struggle in the job market.
Assurances from TVET CDACC
Responding to the concerns, TVET CDACC CEO Prof Kisilu Kitainge outlined security measures designed to maintain assessment credibility, assuring MPs that the Council has developed comprehensive protocols for assessment distribution and administration.
“We have developed a fool-proof manual for the dissemination of assessments and have also taken over the cost of administering assessments to ensure inclusivity across all levels of institutions,” Kitainge explained.
The CEO detailed the Council’s quality assurance mechanisms, including regular audits of training centres and certification requirements for all trainers.
He noted that examinations are conducted by trainers from different institutions on a rotational basis to ensure objectivity.
“Assessments are administered at various accredited centres including the Kenya Accountants and Secretaries National Examinations Board (KASNEB), the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), the Kenya Agricultural Research Organisation (KARO) among others,” Kitainge stated, as quoted in a press statement by the National Assembly dated June 23, 2025.
In her closing remarks, Committee Vice-Chairperson Obara reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to ensuring the TVET sector produces competent graduates who meet economic demands.
“The Committee Vice Chairperson underscored the Members’ commitment to ensuring that the country’s education system, particularly in the TVET sector, produces competent, job-ready graduates aligned with the needs of the economy,” the statement reads.
