The technical institution’s Trainer capacity-building programme, which brought in seven Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, has concluded.
Institutions are preparing for the national rollout and implementation of modularised Competency-Based Education Training (CBET) curricula, which is intended to commence this month.
Speaking during a one-day training program hosted by Kipsoen National Polytechnic in Iten town, the institution’s Principal, Joseph Bittok, welcomed the modularisation of CBET curricula, noting that the new programs were efficient, flexible, and accessible to learners in different pathways.
Bittok said the new CBET would address the duration challenge, where trainees spend longer in institutions before being released to the job market.
In tandem with the government’s Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which aims to spur economic growth by empowering communities from the grassroots level through enterprise development, the new CBET would provide increased access to opportunities essential in realising the curricula.
He said the modularised curricula, according to a circular issued by The Ministry of Education through the State Department of Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to all TVETs during the recently completed modularisation of 188 CBET programs across levels three to six in consultation with stakeholders, align modularised curricula to occupational standards that structured into assessable units that will allow for the issuance of micro, part and full qualifications.
The newly elevated Kipsoen National Polytechnic boss welcomed the government’s move, stating that the new curricula would play an integral role in transforming the institution into a fully fledged National Polytechnic.
He said the Presidential pronouncement that the institution, incepted in 2019, be upgraded to National Polytechnic status has since increased the number of students to 1883.
He further noted that the institution’s elevation has already passed the cabinet and is backed by leadership, the board, and education stakeholders in Elgeyo Marakwet.
Ziwa Technical Training Institute Principal Emmanuel Meres lauded institutions for training with other TVET to realise the programme, terming it cost-effective and maximising economies of scale.
READ ALSO:
Government to recruit 20,000 intern teachers to curb shortage
“The new national rollout and implementation of modularised CBET curricula will bring meaningful training and reduce wastage in transition to job markets. The new CBET curricula journey is a step towards realising that training is affordable, accessible, and responsive to the needs of youth and individuals seeking market-driven skills,” said the institute principal, Emmanuel Meres.
Koshin Technical Training Institute Principal Zippora Kuto noted that the curricula are best suited for allowing learners to learn core units and acquire adequate skills needed in the job market.
Zippora added that the CBET curricula would economically utilise institutional resources while addressing school dropouts and youth unemployment.
The Ministry of Education has issued a circular to all principals in national polytechnics, technical institutes of science and technology, TVET institutes, universities, and the Kenya National Association of Private Colleges.
The circular announces the national rollout and implementation of new curricula, empowers the Cabinet Secretary to formulate and coordinate training schemes, and requires all TVET institutions to adopt and implement modularised curricula starting with the May 2025 intake—marking a 100 per cent transition for all TVET trainees.
In the circular, the Ministry directed relevant agencies, including the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA), the Curriculum Development, Assessment and Certification Council (CDACC), KNQA, TVET, and other Qualifications Awarding Institutions (QAIs), to align their assessment frameworks with the new modular structures.
This will ensure progressive certification and the Recognition of Prior Learning by national policy and the Kenya National Qualifications Framework (KNQF).
The circular requires the Principals, Deputy Directors, and Registrars of TVET to participate in sensitisation activities organised by State TVET departments before the rollout.
The Ministry of Education shall review and align funding structures to support modular curricula delivery and certification, including module-based funding and credit accumulation mechanisms.
The circular also instructs that a standardised training program be adopted for all modularised programs to ensure coherence and interoperability across institutions.
TVET institutional council Boards will be required to engage qualified master craftspersons and industry experts in specialised trade areas for practical training and mentorship in line with existing human resource policies and engagement guidelines.
However, all TVET are instructed to submit quarterly implementation reports to this office through the Principal Secretary for TVET.
The Ministry of Education commends the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders, acknowledging that CBET remains a cornerstone of Kenya’s skills development and that a dynamic, future-ready, and industry-responsive workforce is vital to national progress.
These include the State Department for Technical and Vocational Education and Training, TVETA, the CDACC, KNQA, the Kenya Society for Technical Education (KSTVET), national polytechnics, the Kenya Association of Technical Training Institutes, and industry partners.
By Alfred Kimosop
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
>>> Click here to stay ahead with the latest national news.
