A call has been made to the Kenya National Qualifications Authority to (KNQA) consider recognizing the higher diploma as a degree.
Western Regional Director of Technical and Vocational and Training (TVET) Joseph Sunguti, says KNQA should harmonize training to ensure students possessing higher diplomas can further their education instead of limiting them.
“KNQA should consider the higher diploma as a degree like it happens in other nations in order to help students further their education when they want to apply for master degree programs,” he said.
“Whereas we are saying a higher diploma is a diploma, elsewhere, in other countries, it’s regarded as a degree. You go to the university, but here they tell you; you cannot study masters with a higher diploma,” Sunguti said.
Speaking at Sigalagala National Polytechnic in Kakamega County, during public participation on the Kenya National Qualification Authority draft bill, Sunguti lamented there is some element of vagueness in the education qualification system when applicants present their respective certificates only for the Authority to add the term, with or the “equivalent.”
“What does the “equivalent” stand for when a certificate has already been presented?” he wondered.
Mr. Sunguti praised the importance of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as shaping the nation’s future but called on the Authority to certify workers in the Jua Kali sector who are doing work.
He said RPL was important in eliminating discrimination in the award of tenders against Jua Kali artisans, which he noted was academic-based.
“People who drop out of schools go to join Jua Kali industry to fend for themselves but cannot be certified because they lack qualifications despite good work they do!” he said
He said the country will have a good blend of manpower if the body considers this sector and brings them on board in the TVET institutions.
Speaking at the forum, Shamberere National Polytechnic Principal Elisha Nyamu who took part in the drafting of the document in Naivasha termed the draft bill a game changer and urged residents in the region to air their views which will help to minimize criticisms once the bill is passed into law.
“It is a document that has been really panel-beaten that is meant to serve us now and for posterity,” he said.
Mr. Nyamu said the proposed Kenya National Qualifications Framework (General) Regulations 2025 will help enhance the implementation of KNAQ by providing a structured and standardized approach to the regulation, alignment and validation qualification system.
By Albert Muteshi
