KNEC to Scrap 70 Outdated Courses by November 2025 in Major Shakeup
The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has announced a sweeping curriculum reform that will see 70 business and technical courses scrapped by November 2025. This decision has triggered strong reactions across the education sector.
In a circular dated May 5, 2025, KNEC CEO David Njengere warned institutions still offering outdated programs that their time was up.
“KNEC wishes to notify the institutions still offering the expired courses that examinations for the phased-out courses will be offered for the last time in November 2025,” Njengere stated.
No More Exams or Registrations After Deadline
Njengere added that institutions must stop registering candidates in these courses after the set deadline.
“There will be no registration of candidates for these courses after November 2025,” he warned.
While some of the courses will be revised and modernized, others will be completely removed due to low enrolment or redundancy in the job market.
“The Council has allowed ample time for the institutions to transition to modern, modular curricula developed by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD),” Njengere explained.
Courses on the Chopping Block
Among the targeted programs are:
- Craft Certificate in Mechanical Engineering
- Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (Production & Fabrication)
- Automotive Engineering
- Welding & Fabrication
- Electrical Installation
- Diploma in Applied Biology
- Secretarial Studies
- Higher Diploma in Marketing
Also, modular business courses like Diploma in Human Resource Management and Diploma in International Freight Management will be phased out between 2025 and 2027, with new codes replacing them.
Institutions Accused of Bypassing Directives
Despite earlier warnings, some institutions have continued to register fresh candidates using referral loopholes. KNEC has now taken a hard stance against such practices.
“Some institutions have been registering new students under expired programs disguised as referrals,” Njengere revealed.
This bold reform aims to align training with emerging industry demands and global standards. According to KNEC, students currently pursuing affected programs will be allowed to complete them, but no new enrolments will be permitted beyond the transition period.
What This Means for Learners
The move is a wake-up call to both students and educators. While some worry about the uncertainty, others see hope in the new, modernized curriculum.
“Our goal is to equip learners with relevant, competitive skills,” said a KNEC official.
As the deadline looms, thousands of learners are now scrambling to reassess their career paths before it’s too late.
ALS READ: Govt to End KNEC, Introduces AI for Exam Marking in New Proposal
KNEC to Scrap 70 Outdated Courses by November 2025 in Major Shakeup
