Kenya’s Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) model is proving to be a game changer in Technical Vocational Education and Training, (TVET).
Since the directive in September 2023 by the then Cabinet Secretary for Education, Ezekiel Machogu, and the Principal Secretary for Technical and Vocational Education and training (TVET), Dr Esther Muoria, to fully implement CBET, the enrolment of candidates undertaking CBET assessment has skyrocketed from 7,167 in July/August 2023 to over 87,904 in March/April 2025.
The March/April 2025 CBET Assessment results saw a record of 87,904 candidates assessed, this translates to a 36 percent increase from 65,808 candidates who sat for the assessment in November of 2024. This massive increment signals a shift in the nation’s education landscape, as more learners are embracing practical, industry-aligned training.
ALSO READ:
Four students detained in Bungoma over school dormitory arson
CBET is an approach to teaching as well as learning that lays emphasis on acquisition and demonstration of skills, knowledge and attitudes that are needed to perform duties effectively in the work environment.
One of the defining features of CBET is that it focuses on what a learner can do after training unlike the traditional model which was theory-based and characterized by grades and spending much time in class.
The TVET Curriculum Development Assessment and Certification Council (TVET CDACC) established under the TVET Act No.29 of 2013, is tasked to design and develop curricula, assess competencies and certify trainees in Kenya’s TVET sector.
It has played a key role in streamlining CBET implementation through the development of industrial occupational standards, standardized assessment tools and quality assurance mechanisms thus making it remain credible, practical, and flexible to the ever-demanding industry needs.
ALSO READ:
Agoro Sare knocked out of soccer championship in stunning upset by little-known school
Awareness campaigns have been carried out across the nation in a bid to encourage more institutions to register as CBET assessment centers, this has helped in expanding access to CBET training and certification countrywide. With its emphasis on practical skills, CBET has stood out and has attracted leaners as employers have started to recognize CBET-certified learners as competent.
The success of CBET would not have been possible without strong partnerships between the private sectors who closely work with TVET CDACC to ensure that curricula aligns with the job market specifications, Juakali experts, development partners and training institutions have helped produce competent candidates through offering them attachment thus eliminating the gap between training and industry needs.
With CBET’s growing popularity, education experts predict that Kenya will see continued expansion of vocational training opportunities.
The government is expected to invest in modern infrastructure, upgrading TVET institutions and expanding funding for practical-based education to ensure that technical training remains a driving force in the country’s economic development in the future.
By Masaki Enock
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
