Why kasneb had to revamp its syllabi

“Future occupations require new skills-sets, new mind-sets and new pace,”

What are the emerging issues and trends in your profession? 

The world of work is in a constant state of change. The skills needed to be successful in today’s workforce differ substantially from those of the past. By the same logic, future occupations will also require completely new skills-sets. New roles will come into being, some of which we don’t yet have names for, as other functions become obsolete. Today’s need for digital acceleration has changed how we work and indeed how we shall continue training, working and even socialising. 

How have these emerging issues been addressed in the revised qualifications of Kasneb? 

Kasneb has been very deliberate in revising its  syllabuses. Driven by accelerating globalization and the faster rate of technological developments, the revised syllabuses are tailored to address the unique and dynamic demands in the market today.  The reviewed syllabuses comprising a five-tier certification from the previous three tier model focuses more on skills and competences rather than knowledge. Much emphasis has been laid on digital literacy, and emerging technologies, at a time that big data and data analytics prepare candidates for predictive real life scenarios. 

There are concerns from certain sections of the society that there are no jobs in Kenya. What is your take on these? 

While it is true that we face some challenges on jobs, it is prudent to note some jobs will continue to be steadily phased out and new job niches shall continue to be created and improved owing to the re-skilling of talents in not only the technical skills but  in soft skills as well.

 In your view, what should Kasneb consider in the next syllabus review? 

Well in my view,  the core skills required to perform existing jobs will continue to increase exponentially.  Owing to automation, the boundaries are already blurring between the physical, digital and even biological spheres. Since automation and machine learning will be at the heart of these changes, they will perhaps lead to the most significant changes in terms of skills required by the workforce.

There have been some sentiments that Kenyan qualifications are not recognized internationally. What is your perception? 

To run with the adage that the world is a global village, allow me to laud the fact that Kenyans have always proposed to improve their skills. Kenyan graduates have continued to prove themselves in various international positions and organisations

There have been some sentiments that Kenyan qualifications are not recognized internationally. What is your perception?

The world is now a global village with cross-border movement of persons.. To this extent Kenyan graduates have continued to prove themselves in various international  platforms, positions and organisations. In reference to the recognition of certifications,  collaborative efforts in nurturing our talents is yielding positive results.  Associations such as ICPAK have entered into mutual recognition agreements with various other professional bodies in   Australia, Britain, South Africa, and  Switzerland among others.. In this regard, Kenya is certainly one of the country’s with professional  talents that the  world  gives  attention 

There is a perception that professionals have been players in unethical practices. Do you agree? What should be done about it?

Sadly  some  professionals  tend to indulge  into unethical behaviors  which can plague a workplace, bring down  a business or even  cost  an organisation  its  credulity and reputation.  However, business owners and their management teams can work with employees to prevent unethical behaviors.

Against this background, it is prudent to create a code of conduct that provides professionals with an overview of the type of conduct and behaviors the company expects. Organizations must in this regard always outline what behaviors are unacceptable and what measures are taken if an employee violates the code of conduct.

How has your industry been affected by COVID-19? How are you responding?

While the pandemic has certainly tested professional services, our engagement with the professionals demonstrates that we have responded with agility. Covid-19 forced us to implement remote working at scale, prepare for a potential reduction in revenues, and adjust business strategies to rapidly changing market conditions. In terms of response, we have been evolving our services and business models to meet the impacts. 

While the impact of coronavirus has been wide, it is perhaps not as deep as anticipated. And professional services firms have performed relatively well in the face of considerable challenge. My advice at this juncture is that let’s continue to observe the government health protocols. 

Why should a youth today select the career you chose?

We are living in interesting transformation times. Disruptive technologies and shifting business strategies require  professionals  and the youth to stay informed and agile because selecting the right technology at the right time enables greater agility, simplified processes, and adoption of new business models. This can make the difference between  staying competitive and being left behind.