- The Kenya Union of Technical and Vocational Education and Training Trainers wants the TVET curriculum and assessment system reviewed to reflect the modular Competency-Based Education and Training model.
- The union says examinations, teaching and certification must respond to industry needs while safeguarding assessment integrity.
- It has also welcomed increased government funding for TVET students through HELB.
The Kenya Union of Technical and Vocational Education and Training Trainers (KUTVET) has called for a review of the TVET curriculum and assessment system to fully align with the ongoing shift to a modular Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) system.
KUTVET Secretary-General Kepher Oguwi said the curriculum must be reviewed regularly to capture changes introduced under the modular system and ensure that the syllabus corresponds with the skills and competencies required in the labour market.
Speaking to Education News, Oguwi said the modular CBET system is designed to move learning away from a predominantly theory-based approach towards practical, skills-oriented training that responds to industry needs.
Union seeks examination reforms
He also called for reforms in examinations administered by the TVET Curriculum Development, Assessment and Certification Council (TVET CDACC), saying assessment must be properly aligned with the revised curriculum and syllabus.
Oguwi raised concerns over examination security, citing cases of alleged examination leaks and calling for stronger measures to safeguard the integrity of TVET assessments.
He further proposed that practising TVET trainers should play a greater role in marking examinations, arguing that trainers who understand the practical nature of the courses are better placed to assess students’ competencies.
“The examination system must improve and be aligned with the syllabus. There have also been concerns about examination leaks, especially where examination papers are electronically transmitted to trainers,” Oguwi said.
Under the modularised CBET curriculum, students in TVET institutions undertake training in modules designed to equip them with specific competencies and practical skills. The approach is intended to make graduates more responsive to the needs of employers and industry.
Calls for full HELB funding implementation
Oguwi also welcomed the government’s move to fully fund TVET students through the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), saying the policy could significantly increase enrolment in technical and vocational institutions.
He called for the full implementation of the funding programme, arguing that the lack of college fees has previously forced some students to abandon their studies.
According to Oguwi, making TVET education more accessible through government funding will enable more young people to acquire technical skills without being forced out of college because of financial challenges.
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He said increased investment in TVET education would help expand access to skills training while supporting the country’s efforts to develop a workforce equipped for the changing demands of the labour market.
By Our Reporter
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