KNEC to scrap 70 TVET courses by November 2025

The Kenya National Examinations Council has set November 2025 as the final examination date for dozens of technical and business courses that have been officially phased out.

In a circular dated May 5, KNEC said the outdated non-modular courses will not be offered beyond that date.

Institutions have been directed to stop registering new students and shift to modular programmes developed by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development.

"The Council has provided ample time for institutions to transition to modern, modular curricula developed by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD)," KNEC CEO David Njengere said.

He noted that some institutions have continued to admit new students into these expired programmes, misusing the window meant for learners with pending referrals.

"Such practices undermine the integrity of the education system," he warned.

The phased-out programmes cover engineering, ICT, applied sciences, hospitality, maritime studies, and business-related courses at both certificate and diploma levels.

Some will be replaced under new codes, while others will be scrapped entirely.

Among the affected technical courses is the Craft Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (1102), which will now be offered under course 1501, and the Diploma in Electrical Engineering – Power Option (2204), which will be replaced by course 2601.

In the ICT and sciences cluster, the Diploma in Information Technology (2209) will be taken over by course 2910, while the Diploma in Applied Biology (2301) moves to course 2914.

Hospitality and food science training will also shift, with the Diploma in Food and Beverage Management (2402) transitioning to course 2802, and the Craft Certificate in Baking Technology (1407, 1507) replaced by course 1907.

On the business front, KNEC confirmed that all Craft Certificates in areas such as Secretarial Studies (1801), Marketing (1802), and Business Administration (1806) will now run under new course codes.

A similar shift applies to Diploma courses, including Marketing (2802), Transport Management (2809), and Entrepreneurship (2814).

Two business courses: Craft Certificate in Investment Management (1924) and Diploma in Labour Studies and Management (2811) are being discontinued without replacement.

The Higher Diploma in Marketing (3802) has also been scrapped after failing to attract candidates.

KNEC said the move is part of broader reforms in the TVET sector, aimed at aligning training with industry needs and improving graduate outcomes.

Institutions are urged to comply with the guidelines to support a smooth shift to the new curriculum and uphold standards in technical and vocational education.