The State Department for Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) has initiated a process to divide the TVET curriculum into smaller specialized modules, which will be evaluated and accredited within three months.
Dr. Esther Muoria, the Principal Secretary of TVET, stated that this breakdown of the Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) into shorter modules will enable trainees to enter the job market more quickly. This approach aims to lower both the costs and the duration of training.
“We are moving away from a system where young people spend an entire year in training. Our goal is to provide them with opportunities to transition into the workforce,” Dr. Muoria explained.
With the new modular structure, students in TVET institutions will be able to pursue their chosen courses in segments and receive certification for each level they complete. This means that after finishing one level, trainees can either continue with their studies or use their newly acquired skills to seek employment.
The revamped study model will also introduce a micro-credentialing system to evaluate and certify learners, which is typically used for short training programs.
A key change will be the reduction of theoretical content, with Dr. Muoria emphasizing that the new model will prioritize practical skills.
“We will minimize theoretical instruction, if not eliminate it entirely. For instance, in communication, we will integrate it within the relevant trade area, ensuring that the communication skills taught are applicable to that field,” she said.
Additionally, the curriculum review will standardize entry requirements for all students wishing to enroll in TVET programs. It will also provide opportunities for learners, including those already employed in the informal sector, to access skills training or enhance their competencies progressively.
“In about a month, we will finalize the curriculum so that those enrolling in May will have uniform entry requirements. We are stating that whether someone is a Class 8 dropout or a Form Four graduate with an A or an E, they will all have the same entry conditions. They will start at the same level and can progress to their highest potential or until they feel ready to enter the workforce,” she noted.
Dr. Muoria made these remarks during the official opening of the CBET curriculum modularization workshop at the Nyeri National Polytechnic, which gathered stakeholders from the TVET sector and industry to realign the curriculum with market needs.
She announced that the new system will be launched in May this year across all Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions in the country. She emphasized that its implementation will be crucial for increasing enrollment in TVET programs and attracting industrial investors to the nation.
To maintain an up-to-date inventory of the skills available in the country, the Permanent Secretary stated that moving forward, all heads of TVET institutions will be required to report the number of individuals trained and certified under the new system, along with their qualifications.
“For the global community to consider establishing their industries in Kenya, having a skilled workforce is essential. The more we equip our youth with skills, the more we promote industrialization in our country, which will naturally lead to job opportunities for them,” she explained.
“We aim to have at least two million youths enrolled in our institutions by the end of this year. However, the number of graduates in three months will depend on the enrollment figures,” she added.
