Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Principal Secretary (PS), Dr Esther Muoria has called on students and stakeholders to embrace technical education as she champions for hands on skills.
Speaking on Wednesday, June 25, when she held a high-level sensitization forum on the Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) Modularized Curriculum in the Western region, PS Muoria said the time has come for a decisive shift in Kenya’s vocational training landscape.
The event, held amid growing calls for industry-aligned education reform, was also graced by the Director of TVET Prof. Bernard Isalambo. The forum also brought together regional Chief Principals, trainers, and key stakeholders in a bid to galvanize support for the nationwide rollout of the CBET curriculum.
In her keynote address at Kaimosi Friends National Polytechnic, Dr. Muoria made a compelling case for transitioning from theoretical instruction to practical, skill-oriented training, underscoring the need to align educational outcomes with labor market demands.
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“We must reimagine our training institutions as engines of innovation and employment,” said the PS. “CBET is not just another curriculum, it is a strategic response to the skills gap that continues to hinder national development.”
Dr. Muoria emphasized that the CBET model is designed to deliver industry-relevant competencies, equipping learners with the tools to succeed in an increasingly competitive and dynamic job market. She challenged trainers to move beyond outdated teaching models and adopt delivery methods that foster job readiness, creativity, and entrepreneurship.
In a major policy milestone, the PS also officially launched the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program, an initiative aimed at identifying, assessing, and certifying skills acquired outside formal education structures. The move is expected to broaden access to certification for thousands of skilled workers in the informal sector.
“RPL is a critical lever for inclusivity,” Dr. Muoria stated. “By validating informal and experiential learning, we create pathways for upskilling and economic empowerment for all.”
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Calling for collective ownership of the CBET agenda, the PS urged Chief Principals and trainers to serve as the vanguard of curriculum implementation, stressing the importance of institutional leadership, pedagogical innovation, and public-private partnerships.
“The success of CBET will be determined not by policy alone, but by the passion and commitment of those entrusted with its delivery,” she noted. “Let us make CBET the gold standard of workforce preparation in Kenya.”
Prof. Isalambo echoed the call for deeper stakeholder engagement, adding that continuous dialogue between training institutions and industry players would be key in sustaining curriculum relevance and impact.
The sensitization forum marked a significant step in the government’s broader TVET reform agenda, reinforcing its commitment to skills development, job creation, and economic transformation through a modern, inclusive education framework.
By Godfrey Wamalwa
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