KASNEB Completes Major Syllabus Review Promising a Major Shift in the Sector

By Mourice Seretta

The Kenya Accountants and Secretaries National Examinations Board (KASNEB) has completed a major syllabus review introducing new feel and shift for professionals within the sector.

Driven by accelerating globalization and the faster rate of technological developments, KASNEB’s revised syllabuses are tailored to address the unique and dynamic demands in the market today. The new competence-based syllabuses and assessment modes are purposed to enhance global competitiveness and set successful pathways.

“We are glad to announce a complete review of our syllabuses following the need to address current gaps in the market,” said Dr. Nicholas Letting’, the CEO of KASNEB adding that this was done with wide consultations with a cross section of stakeholders in the Public and Private sector.

The reviewed syllabuses comprising a five-tier certification from the previous three tier model focusses more on skills and competences rather than knowledge. Much emphasis has been laid on digital literacy, emerging technologies, and data analytics to prepare candidates for real life scenarios where big data and analytics are the new norm.

*KASNEB CEO Dr. Nicholas Letting addressing participants during the new syllabuses launch at a Nairobi hotel.*

Speaking during KASNEB’S new syllabuses launch, Dr Julius Muia Kenya’s Principal Secretary at the National Treasury and Planning, commended KASNEB for setting the pace that purposes to ensure that its graduates are ready for the market under the new dispensation. He asserted that this is the time for both the public and business community to reposition and more inclusive pipelines for the most-susceptible professionals by investing in new ideas and approaches to skilling youth for the future of work—not in a vacuum, but in a coordinated, committed fashion.

“I wish to call upon employers to actively collaborate with KASNEB in the provision of internship opportunities to KASNEB students. The National Treasury and Planning, being the parent Ministry for KASNEB, will support KASNEB towards ensuring that its graduates are also considered in the Government internship programme facilitated by the Public Service Commission,” said Dr Muia.

*National Treasury PS Dr Julius Muia addressing participants virtually during the launch of KASNEB’s new syllabuses.*

KASNEB’s new syllabuses include short (vocational) skills-based courses, certificates, diplomas, professional qualifications, among others. In the reviewed syllabuses, learners will be examined three times in a year. The change also entails a combination of assessment methods including workshops, projects, practical experience, and work-based simulation, among others.

Dr Nancy Muriuki, the Chairperson of KASNEB Board, who also attended the launch noted that the first computer-based examinations will be rolled out in December 2021, starting with certificate examinations and thereafter extended to cover other examinations.

“As the Government and the private sector embrace service delivery on a digital platform, Kasneb deliberately embarked on a paradigm shift from paper-based examinations to computer-based examinations, a move primed to enhance customer experience and service delivery,” she said.

*KASNEB Board Chairperson Dr Nancy Muriuki addressing participants during the new syllabuses launch at a Nairobi hotel.*

KASNEB reviews its syllabuses every five years owing to the fact that technology has changed how people relate and interact with each other in various fields. This has led to a shift in different professions hence the need to streamline content and training materials to tailor them towards rhyming with the new trends.

The new syllabuses are starting to be implemented immediately.

Other notable speakers during the launch included KASNEB Examinations Director CPA Isaac Njuguna, ICPAK CEO CPA Edwin Makori, KCA University Principal DR. Gladys Bunyasi, APSEA Chair Felix Okatch amongst others who formed the discussion panel.

The launch of KASNEB’s new syllabuses coincided with its 52nd anniversary.