- This is after MPs ordered that the power transfer follows the right channel which includes law amendment.
- The lawmakers further explained that KICD and KNEC should not be handed the curriculum powers before the law is amended.
Image: MERCY MUMO
A proposal by Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua to transfer the powers of the council mandated to design and develop the TVETs curriculum has run into headwinds.
This is after MPs ordered that the power transfer follows the right channel, which includes law amendment.
Earlier this week, Education CS George Magoha wrote to the examinations council to work out the transfer modalities.
The proposal seeks to transfer functions from the Curriculum Development Assessment and Certification Council (CDACC) to the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD).
If this is amended, the powers to develop curriculum in TVETS will be handed to KICD and KNEC.
According to a report by the National Assembly Budget Committee, the proposal may face legal hurdles.
The report signed by MP Kanini Kega clarified that CDACC was established under an Act of Parliament which is still functional.
“This proposal may face legal hurdles if it is implemented without amending TVET Act 2003,” the report reads.
The lawmakers explained that KICD and KNEC should not be handed the curriculum powers before the law is amended.
“That the functions of CDACC should not be transferred before the relevant law is amended to give it the full force of law,” the report reads.
TVET Act 2003 states that the functions of the Council include undertaking design, developing curricula for TVETS and making rules concerning examinations.
CDACC is also mandated to issue certificates, promote recognition of its qualifications in foreign systems and investigate cases involving exam indiscipline.
The council consists of a chairman appointed by the CS, TVETs PS, TVET Authority Director-General of the Authority and six members appointed by the CS.
The chairman of the council shall hold office for a period not exceeding three years but shall be eligible for reappointment.
The members appointed by the CS shall hold office for three years and shall be eligible for reappointment.
This proposal originates from parastatal reforms in 2014, where Kinyua wrote to the then Education CS Jacob Kaimenyi.
On Teachers Training Institutes, MPs questioned the kind of support given towards the construction of the new institutions.
“Most of the equipping is being undertaken by support from development partners, which is inadequate and erratic,” the report reads.
The lawmakers said the institutions risk being either partially operational or non-operational.