Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions are facing a full-blown crisis, with enrolment plunging after the 2025 rollout of the Modularised Competency Based Education and Training (CBET) curriculum
High fees and delayed government sponsorships have driven students away, leaving some courses completely deserted and others with half their usual numbers, a section of TVET institution heads reveals.
This has forced the State Department for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to task the Kenya Association of Technical Training Institutions (KATTI) to urgently review fees to stop the exodus.
The concerns were first raised by the Kenya Union of Technical and Vocational Education Trainers (KUTVET), led by Secretary General Kepher Oguwi, who criticised the hurried rollout of the modularised curriculum.
The union argued that the new system was costly, poorly implemented, and contributed to low enrolment and high dropout rates.
In response, TVET Principal Secretary Dr Esther Muoria convened a press conference to defend the modularised program. Dr Muoria dismissed claims of mass dropouts, citing growth in TVET enrolment under the Kenya Kwanza government from 300,000 to 800,000 students.
Dr Muoria emphasised that the programme was developed after extensive stakeholder consultations. She noted that principals were actively involved in implementing TVET training.
She stated that reforms began in 2018 to shift the sector towards Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET), and that a circular issued in September 2023 formalised the requirement that all TVET programmes now follow CBET principles.
She explained that under the modular system, students can complete a unit, enter the workforce, and return later to continue another module, making it difficult to track exact dropout numbers.
Dr Muoria emphasised that the modularised system aligns technical training with industry needs and global labour market trends. She also defended the program’s cost, explaining that it is more affordable than the previous fee structure.
READ ALSO:
“I’m somebody”: Rev. Jesse Jackson’s voice falls silent at 84, but his thunder endures
“The fee was capped at KSh 35,000 for level 3 for all students, regardless of the course they were pursuing. This decision followed a stakeholders’ meeting held at PC Kinyanjui,” she added.
Under the old system, Level 3 modules cost KSh 32,000–49,000 per term, Level 4 modules KSh 84,000–121,000, Level 5 KSh 174,000–242,000, and diploma-level courses (Level 6) KSh 261,000–363,000. Under the new system, Level 3 modules cost KSh 35,000, while Level 4 courses cost KSh 70,000 for two modules, significantly reducing the financial burden on learners.
However, KUTVET maintains that training costs remain high, citing additional charges introduced alongside the modular system.
The union noted that tuition fees have risen from KSh 56,000 to KSh 105,000 per year, and total expenses can exceed KSh 400,000 when other costs are included.
TVET tutors also raised concerns over the quality of the modularised curriculum. In the Building and Construction course, they reported that lessons taught in Module 1 are repeated in Module 3, resulting in wasted learning time.
Tutors further noted that high fees have forced many students, including government-sponsored learners, to drop out. Some students have been unable to register for Curriculum Development, Assessment and Certification Council (CDACC) examinations because they must have a fee balance below KSh 10,000.
CDACC was also accused of passing exam administration costs to TVET institutions. The KUTVET union stated that some institutions lack the facilities to print exam papers, and trainers are not paid for administering the exams.
A shortage of trained instructors was also highlighted, with tutors arguing that the previous system allowed more time for learners and instructors to prepare for examinations effectively.
In response to these challenges, the State Department for TVET directed KATTI to review the proposed KSh 35,000 fee.
Dr. Muoria advised that stakeholders should engage in reviewing the fees to ensure they are fair and reasonable.
She emphasised that continuous improvement is key in the TVET sector and reiterated that modular training enhances flexibility and accessibility, allowing trainees to progress to any level, including a PhD.
The PS later appeared before the Senate Education Committee to answer questions regarding the fees introduced and the modularised TVET program in 2025.
Senators raised concerns that the delayed release of government sponsorship funds may have contributed to student dropouts.
Dr Muoria defended the system, stating that modularisation is the best way to deliver Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) and that every student is entitled to scholarships.
She said the government continues to provide capitation and HELB funding, though resources remain limited.
Senator Johnes Mwaruma, representing Taita Taveta County and a member of the Senate Education Committee, argued that the government has left the burden of training on the students and parents.
He recommended that modularisation be tied to the timely release of funds and that the government review the TVET funding model to prevent further dropouts.
The senator said the 2025/26 TVET and Universities was KSh 19.2 billion, but only KSh 2 billion had been released. Although KSh 7.7 billion was allocated for TVET scholarships, more than half of the funds remain unreleased.
Amid growing concerns about declining student numbers, the State Department for TVET has issued a formal communication to all institutions, requesting comprehensive, up-to-date data on student enrolment and dropout rates. The move aims to establish an accurate and reliable database that reflects the current state of TVETs nationwide.
By Obegi Malack
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.
