Salasya wants universities to stop offering diploma courses
By Kiprono Keileb, March 11, 2026Mumias East Member of Parliament (MP) Peter Salasya has emphasised the importance of clearly defining the roles of Kenya’s higher education institutions during a parliamentary session on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
In a statement shared on X on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, Salasya said the discussion aimed to separate the responsibilities of universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions to strengthen both academic and technical training.
Salasya explained that universities should focus primarily on advanced academic programs to build a skilled professional workforce for the nation.
“Today in Parliament, we had a productive discussion on the need to clearly define the roles of our higher education institutions. The motion emphasised that universities should primarily focus on offering degree programs, master’s degrees, and PhDs, while diploma and certificate courses should remain under Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions,” part of Salasya’s statement on X reads.
He added that concentrating on research and innovation at universities will enhance Kenya’s capacity to produce top-level knowledge creators.
“This approach will allow universities to concentrate more on research, innovation, and advanced academic training, strengthening their role in producing high-level professionals and knowledge creators,” he wrote.
Salasya highlighted that TVET institutions must take the lead in offering diploma and certificate courses to address practical and technical skill needs in the workforce.
“At the same time, empowering TVET institutions to lead in diploma and certificate programs will enhance practical and technical skills development, ensuring that our country continues to produce competent technicians, artisans, and skilled professionals needed for economic growth,” he wrote.
He stressed that a well-structured division between universities and TVETs is crucial for producing high-quality human capital that can drive Kenya’s sustainable development.
“A well-structured education system where universities drive research and TVETs drive technical skills will help us build stronger institutions and develop the high-quality human capital our nation needs for sustainable development,” Salasya’s statement reads.
Salasya concluded by urging lawmakers and policymakers to implement clear policies that delineate responsibilities between higher education and technical institutions, ensuring Kenya develops both knowledge-based and practical expertise simultaneously.