The Department of Biochemistry at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) held a two-day workshop from 24-25 July 2025 to review its five degree programs. The objective of the review was to align the curriculum with industry demands, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for the job market. Additionally, the workshop sought to harmonize the programs and define clear graduate outcomes.
The reviewed programmes were: Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, BSc Industrial Biotechnology, BSc Medical Biochemistry, BSc Biochemistry, and BSc Biochemistry (Molecular Biology option).
The Dean, School of Biomedical Sciences (SOBMS), Prof Johnson Kinyua, emphasized the critical role of the review, urging faculty to consider the long-term impact of the curriculum on students’ careers.
“The future of this country depends on the knowledge and skills we impart to our students. Our programs must therefore prepare them for life beyond the classroom,” said Prof. Kinyua.
He further stressed the need for practical training attachments, skill-based assessments, and regular workshops to keep the curriculum relevant within the required review thresholds.
The acting Director of Quality Assurance (QA) at JKUAT, Dr. Catherine Ngamau, highlighted the importance of adhering to quality guidelines during the review process. She noted that the revised curriculum should be flexible enough to accommodate Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) ahead of the expected Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) rollout in universities in 2029.
“Discussions should be guided by industry needs. We must engage stakeholders, identify gaps, and tailor the curriculum to address them,” she added.
The head of Innovation, Technology, and Transfer at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Dr. James Kimotho, shared insights from an industry perspective, emphasizing the need for market-driven curriculum development.
“We must avoid working blindly. A thorough market survey to understand what both local and international market need, will ensure our curriculum produces adaptive, employable, and innovation-ready graduates,” said Dr. Kimotho.
He also underscored the importance of mentorship, entrepreneurial mindset, and understanding product commercialization to broaden career opportunities for students.
The Chair of the Biochemistry Department, Dr. Joel Bargul, provided an update on progress made in curriculum development and urged faculty to focus on identifying opportunities and gaps for a well-structured program.
The workshop also featured contributions from Prof. Edward Nguu from the University of Nairobi, who spoke on Curriculum Evaluation in line with the Commission for University Education (CUE) standards, alongside alumni and student representatives.
