As Kenya’s education sector advances towards the implementation of the Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) framework, the College of Engineering and Technology (COETEC) in JKUAT has taken significant steps to prepare its academic staff for the transition. The sensitization programme reflects the College’s commitment to equipping lecturers with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively support competency-based learning in higher education.
Welcoming participants to the workshop, the Principal of the College of Engineering and Technology, Prof. Eng. Hiram Ndiritu, expressed his appreciation to the facilitators from the Commission for University Education (CUE) and the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) for partnering with the College in the sensitization programme. He noted that the workshop provided a timely opportunity for academic staff to deepen their understanding of the Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) framework and strengthen the College’s preparedness for the transition to competency-based higher education with the first COHORT of learners progressing through the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), expected to join institutions of higher learning in 2029. Prof. Ndiritu encouraged participants to actively engage in the discussions and leverage the knowledge gained to enhance curriculum delivery and promote quality, industry-responsive engineering education.
During the workshop, participants explored key aspects of competency-based teaching, including learner-centred instructional approaches, curriculum development, competency-focused assessment, and effective programme delivery. The discussions emphasized the need for Universities to shift from content-based instruction towards approaches that enable students to demonstrate practical knowledge, technical skills, and professional competencies.
Assistant Director at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), Dr. Johnstone Ochuma, highlighted the role of CBET in narrowing the gap between academic training and labour market requirements. He noted that the framework promotes the integration of practical experiences, critical thinking, innovation, and problem-solving into University programmes, ensuring graduates possess the competencies required to thrive in a dynamic professional environment.
CUE Deputy Commission Secretary (Accreditation), Prof. Urbanus Mutwiwa underscored the importance of aligning University programmes with industry expectations by focusing on measurable learning outcomes and competency development. He encouraged the institution to embrace CBET as an enhancement of existing teaching practices rather than a complete departure from traditional methods, noting that the framework is designed to produce graduates who are better equipped to meet the demands of the modern workplace.
The sensitization also provided an opportunity for academic staff to reflect on the College’s curriculum and identify areas requiring alignment with competency-based principles. Through these engagements, lecturers gained valuable insights into designing learning experiences and assessments that focus on the achievement of clearly defined competencies while maintaining high academic standards.
As preparations continue for the admission of the first CBET graduates in 2029, the knowledge gained through the sensitization programme will play a key role in guiding curriculum enhancement, improving teaching practices, and ensuring that the College of Engineering and Technology remains at the forefront of competency-based higher education.
