All Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions will fully transition to the competency Based Education and Training (CBET) curriculum by January 2026.
This was revealed by Education cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, during a stakeholders’ forum held at Kenya Coast Polytechnic in Mombasa, where TVET principals were sensitized on the ongoing reforms.
CS Ogamba said the move aims to equip learners with practical skills needed for the full implementation of the new CBE curriculum.
“Students will be able to earn certificates after completing three-month modules, and then progress to higher qualifications like diplomas as desired,” he said.
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The move is a response to a presidential directive to focus on employability over lengthy theory based training. Under the new system, trainees can enter the workforce early and return later to build on their credentials.
The CBET curriculum was officially rolled out in all institutions in May 2025 with a total of 184 modular programmes already approved by TVET and 7000 trainers are already enrolled under the system.
According to Ogamba, the courses will be structured in short modules, each focusing on specific practical skills.
PS Esther Muoria while addressing the TVET principals and stakeholders in Mombasa, explained that TVET training is being redesigned to ensure every time a trainee completes a module, they are job-ready, with quarterly trainer certification to maintain quality standards.
“In this curriculum, both A-grade and E-grade students are welcomed adding that entry and exit points are clearly defined,” she said.
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She added that the Industry partnerships will provide internships and attachments, ensuring that graduates acquire skills directly relevant to workplace demands. This shift she described as “education that leads directly to employment.”
In addition, Bernard Isalambo, TVET Director, emphasized the importance of this structural change. He explained that modularization ensures each unit delivers a job ready skill, making it ideal for learners who want to study, earn, and work in stages.
He stressed, “If you have the skills, you can work anywhere,” and confirmed that the curriculum restructure TVET on a skills first and market ready track.
Furthermore, outdated long duration courses are being scrapped. Those who are currently enrolled in the courses will continue until November 2025. This will ensure that only aligned market driven syllabi remain ahead of the January deadline.
Ultimately, the reforms aim to increase enrolment from around 700,000 to two million trainees by the end of 2025.
By allowing learners to exit after short training modules and return later, the system becomes more inclusive, embracing both top performers and learners with lower academic backgrounds.
By Benedict Aoya
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