Senate Raises Red Flag Over Unregulated TVET Schools and False Job Promises

Senator Andrew Omtatah has raised concerns over the growing number of unregulated Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions in Kenya.

He warned that some institutions mislead students through unaccredited programmes, false certification claims and questionable job promises.

He made the remarks on March 25, 2026, in a request for a statement in the Senate. He called for urgent action to strengthen regulation and protect students and parents from exploitation in the TVET sector.

“I rise, pursuant to Standing Order 53(1), to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Education on a matter of national concern, regarding the regulation and compliance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions in the country,” Omtatah stated.

He further raised concerns over the rise of institutions that operate without proper approval. In addition, he warned that weak enforcement exposes learners to financial loss and misleading information.

“There are growing concerns over the emergence of institutions offering unaccredited programmes, misrepresenting certifications and international partnerships, and making questionable employment guarantees, thereby exposing students and parents to potential exploitation and undermining the integrity of the TVET sub-sector,” he said.

Also Read: List of KUCCPS TVET Courses Students with KCSE Grade E Can Apply [FULL LIST]

Accreditation and Compliance Concerns

Omtatah urged the Senate Committee on Education to provide details on all registered and accredited TVET institutions.

He also asked for a breakdown of their current accreditation status and approved programmes under the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA).

He further called for information on enforcement actions taken against non-compliant institutions. In addition, he requested data covering the last three years to show how authorities have handled illegal or unaccredited operations.

Also Read: TVETA Cracks Down on Institutions Issuing Fake Certificates in Kenya

Certification and Assessment Framework

Omtatah also sought clarity on the regulatory framework guiding programme approval, certification and assessment. Moreover, he questioned existing safeguards meant to prevent misrepresentation of academic qualifications and partnerships.

Finally, he raised concerns over partnerships between TVET institutions and international bodies. He questioned how authorities regulate such agreements. He also sought answers on how institutions make employment promises to students and whether licensing rules apply in such cases.

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Photo of a past Senate Session. PHOTO/Senate