Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology’s (JKUAT) College of Pure and Applied Sciences (COPAS) staff underwent a sensitization programme on Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) as part of efforts to strengthen the quality and relevance of university education.
The programme equipped participants with the knowledge and skills needed to implement learner-focused approaches that better prepare graduates for the evolving demands of the labor market.
The training brought together lecturers, curriculum developers, departmental heads, and university administrators to deepen their understanding of CBET principles, curriculum design, assessment strategies, and quality assurance. It also emphasized the transition from traditional content-based teaching to competency-based learning that equips students with practical skills, critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and professional competencies required in the workplace.
Speaking during the training held on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi, urged participants to embrace the new teaching approach and apply the knowledge gained across their respective departments in readiness for the first cohort of Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) learners expected at the University in the next two years.
“The success of CBC at the university level depends not only on the learner’s preparedness but also on the lecturer’s willingness to adapt,” said Prof. Ngumi. “These learners will challenge us to move beyond conventional lectures and embrace practical, competency-based teaching. We must therefore be equally prepared.”
The Principal of COPAS, Prof. George Thiong’o, acknowledged that transitioning to Competency-Based Education (CBE) would require a shift in mindset but encouraged staff to embrace the new approach.
“Competency-Based Education is learner-centred. When students take ownership of their learning, education becomes truly transformative,” Prof. Thiongo said.
He added that the lecturer’s role is evolving from being the primary source of knowledge to facilitating meaningful learning experiences that enable students to apply what they have learned in real-world settings.
Dr. Grace Maina, Deputy Director and Curriculum Advisor at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), who served as the lead trainer, said the new learning model requires lecturers to become facilitators who guide students in solving real-world problems rather than simply delivering content.
She also emphasized the importance of understanding students’ wellbeing, noting that supporting their mental health is essential to creating an environment where learners feel confident expressing themselves and actively participate in the learning process.
Participants explored key aspects of Competency-Based Education and Training, including learner-centred pedagogy, competency-based assessment, curriculum review, and effective teaching practices. The sessions provided practical insights into applying the CBET framework within their respective academic programmes.
As the transition to Competency-Based Education gathers momentum, JKUAT continues to invest in staff capacity building to ensure its teaching, assessment, and curriculum delivery remain responsive to national education reforms and the evolving needs of industry.
