24/10/2019
KNQA says it will recognise Jua Kali artisans trained informally (Kenya News Agency)
- The Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) Director, Dr. Juma Mukhwana has said the agency will recognise Jua Kali trained artisans who pass practical tests conducted by various authorities.
- He observed that thousands of masons, plumbers, electricians and mechanics among others, who were making significant contributions to the economy had acquired their skills in the informal and non formal sectors.
- Under the new arrangement, the Kenya Accountants and Secretaries National Examination Board (KASNEB), Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) and Curriculum Development, Assessment and Certification Council (CDACC) will issue academic certificates based on practical performance as opposed to written examinations.
- This effectively means that a Jua kali trained tailor, carpenter, mechanic, sculptor or a plumber who has never sat in a formal classroom or Technical Educational and Vocational Training Institutes (TVETS) will be issued with a recognized certificate, just as his counterparts who have undergone years of formal training.
- However, this will be subject to the requirement that one must practically demonstrate that he/ she possesses the requisite skills before a relevant examination body.
- Dr. Mukhwana said KNQA was working with other stakeholders to introduce Competence Based Curriculum (CBC) in Technical and Vocational Education Training.