TVETs asked to submit enrolment, dropout data amid curriculum concerns

The State Department for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) has written to TVET institutions seeking updated data on student enrolment and dropout rates amid growing concerns over declining numbers.

According to an insider who spoke to Education News on condition of anonymity, the ministry wants accurate figures following reports of high dropout rates across institutions.

The concerns were first raised by the Kenya Union of Technical and Vocational Education Trainers (KUTVET), led by Secretary General Kepher Oguwi, who criticized the implementation of the modularized curriculum.

The union argued that the system was hurriedly rolled out, costly, and had contributed to low enrolment and increased dropouts in TVET institutions.

In response, TVET Principal Secretary Dr. Esther Muoria convened a press conference to defend the modularized TVET programme introduced in 2025.

Dr. Muoria dismissed the drop out claims stating that the growth of TVET enrolment under the Kenya Kwanza government had increased from 300,000 to 800,000.

ALSO READ:

Kitutu Masaba MP urges NG-CDF Committee members to be transparent, accountable in serving public

She added that she could not provide an exact number of dropouts, as under the modular system, students can complete a unit, enter the workforce, and return later to continue another module.

The PS also stated that the new system aligns technical training with industry needs and global labour market trends.

Dr. Muoria dismissed claims that the modularized curriculum is expensive, insisting it is more affordable than the previous fee structure. She explained that under the old system, Level 3 modules cost between Ksh 32,000 and Ksh 49,000 per term, Level 4 ranged from Ksh 84,000 to Ksh 121,000, Level 5 between Ksh 174,000 and Ksh 242,000, while diploma-level courses (Level 6) cost between Ksh 261,000 and Ksh 363,000.

Under the new modularized system, Level 3 modules cost Ksh 35,000, while Level 4 courses cost Ksh 70,000 for two modules, which she said significantly reduces the financial burden on learners.

However, KUTVET has maintained that the cost of training remains 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 when additional costs are included, total expenses can exceed Ksh 400,000.

ALSO READ:

PS Muoria defends modular training in TVETs amid criticism over dropout rates

Dr. Muoria, however, maintained that the Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) system is delivered through short modules that allow trainees to enter the job market faster while reducing training duration and overall costs.

TVET tutors who spoke to Education News also raised concerns over the quality of the modularized curriculum, saying it contains several errors. In the Building and Construction course, tutors reported that lessons taught in Module 1 are repeated in Module 3, leading to wasted learning time.

Tutors further noted that the high fees have forced many learners to drop out, including government sponsored students.

“Some students are unable to register for the Curriculum Development, Assessment and Certification Council (CDACC) examinations because they are required to have a fee balance of less than Ksh 10,000. Delays in the release of government sponsorship funds have also contributed to student dropouts.” Tutors said

Additionally, tutors cited a shortage of trained instructors to implement the new curriculum, arguing that the previous training system was more effective as it allowed sufficient time for both learners and tutors to prepare for examinations.

By Obegi Malack