More than a third of Kenya's registered technical and vocational colleges were operating without valid licences by November 2025. The finding comes from an audit by Auditor General Nancy Gathungu, The Eastleigh Voice reported. The Star also reported the findings.
The audit covers the financial year that ended June 30, 2025. It found that 812 of the 2,120 registered TVET institutions, or 38 per cent, had expired licences. The licences of 2,424 of the 10,893 licensed trainers, or 22 per cent, had also expired.
Gathungu said the lapses could expose the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) to legal and reputational risks for failing to enforce compliance. The audit also warned that institutions could offer substandard training and assessment while unlicensed practitioners remain active. The affected institutions may keep operating. They and their trainers are expected to file new licence applications.
The audit also flagged delays in accreditation. It identified 87 registered institutions that had been waiting for accreditation since 2014. According to the report, TVETA had no standard system to track accreditation timelines. Nor could it escalate cases where applicants did not respond. It also had no clear response deadlines. In some cases, its compliance and enforcement department issued notices but took no further action.
Gathungu said the delays go against the TVET Act, 2013. Under the law, the Authority must issue licences to applicants who meet the conditions. Where applications fall short, it must explain its decisions. The report said failing to follow up on applications breached the law.
During the year under review, TVETA spent KSh 174.2 million on accreditation, quality assurance and standards. Of that, KSh 18.35 million went to accrediting TVET institutions.
The findings come as the government expands the sector, modernises institutions and enrols more students, The Eastleigh Voice reported. TVET graduates are expected to take up jobs in the Affordable Housing Programme and elsewhere in the public and private sectors. Gathungu said institutions and trainers must meet the required standards. That way, learners get quality training and the practical skills the job market needs.