Kenya’s higher education stakeholders have urged the government to modernize infrastructure, allocate more funding, and professionalize teaching as the country rolls out Competency-Based Education (CBE).
The concerns were raised during the Teacher Education Conference for Education stakeholders held recently at Mombasa Beach Hotel in Mombasa County.
Stakeholders lamented that many higher education institutions still rely on colonial-era buildings and lack essential facilities such as science laboratories. They called for increased funding to revive stalled projects and improve learning environments for tutors and students.
Speaking during the conference, Principal Secretary for Higher Education, Dr. Beatrice Inyangala, urged universities to adopt an Act of Parliament that sets professional standards for teaching. She also directed institutions to establish a Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) framework within six months to guide curriculum design, assessment, and skills-focused learning outcomes.
Dr. Inyangala emphasized that CBET implementation will require financial and technical support, staff retooling, capacity building, and benchmarking with global best practices. “Strengthening support for universities will ease CBET implementation and enhance quality,” she said.
ALSO READ:
Why Kiambu County ECDE centres are worlds apart in progress with the rest of the country
State Department for Higher Education Secretary, Dr. Carol Hunja, added that the department is on an upward trajectory driven by evidence-based policies and decision-making.
Education experts also weighed in on training pathways. Professor Ondigii Samson of Kenyatta University proposed flexible upgrading routes for students, allowing those with C- in KCSE to begin with certificate courses before progressing to diplomas and degrees.
He insisted, however, that teaching science subjects should remain restricted to candidates with at least a C in Mathematics.
Professor John Aluko Orodho, also from Kenyatta University, said the Kenya Qualifications Development Authority already provides progression pathways for low-grade KCSE students through TVET programmes that can eventually lead to university education.
Universities further resolved that the Bachelor of Education degree will remain a four-year programme, reinforcing calls for structured and professionalized teacher preparation.
By Tsozungu Kombe
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
