As Kenya braces for the arrival of the first Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) university entrants, JKUAT has taken the lead by training the inaugural cohort of Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) Champions. The two week-long training, held from June 30- July 11, 2025, in partnership with the Kenya School of TVET, is part of a broader effort to realign university education with the CBET model.
The first week of training was delivered online through a learning management system and virtual sessions, paving the way for the second week of in-person training at the university.
The initiative targeted faculty members who will spearhead the shift to hands-on, skill-based learning, and industry-responsive education, marking a paradigm shift from theory-heavy, exam-focused systems.
JKUAT now joins a select group of institutions preparing for the CBC cohort, expected to transition from basic education into university in 2029.
“It is not only prudent, but imperative that universities align with these ongoing reforms to enable a seamless transition for these highly competent learners from the CBE paradigm,” said TVET Principal Secretary Dr. Esther Muoria.
In her message delivered by Secretary of Administration Mr. Joseph Njau, Dr. Muoria commended JKUAT’s bold step, noting that the university had emerged as a trailblazer among universities, largely due to the commitment and enthusiasm of the 34 Champions trained in the first round.
“JKUAT will be recognized for emerging as a leader in championing CBET among universities. The enthusiasm and commitment of the graduates of this training has set an example to inspire others to embrace the journey ahead with courage,” she said.
The CBET model, which had already made significant strides in the TVET sector since its full roll-out in 2023, is expected to transform tertiary education.
PS Muoria noted that while its journey in Kenya has been long and not without setbacks including a pause in 2021, the system has since undergone multiple review cycles to better align with evolving market needs.
“Today, graduates enter the workforce with market-relevant competencies that are versatile enough to work both in Kenya and abroad,” she emphasized.
JKUAT’s collaboration with the Kenya School of TVET forms part of the s Whole-of-Government Approach to CBET implementation.
The CBET Champions trained at JKUAT are expected to anchor the internal roll-out of the new model, offering technical leadership and mentoring fellow faculty in line with JKUAT’s innovation-driven mandate.
The Principal of the College of Engineering and Technology Dr. Hiram Ndiritu reaffirmed the University’s position at the forefront of higher education transformation.
He underscored JKUAT’s intent to leverage its existing collaboration with the Kenya School of TVET to broaden the scope of engagement into new thematic areas critical to national development.
“This training is more than a milestone; it is a declaration that JKUAT is ready to lead from the front as Kenya transitions to a competency-based model in higher education,” he stated.
Dr. Ndiritu further noted that the programme offers JKUAT an opportunity to re-calibrate its infrastructure and academic delivery models to match the evolving expectations of a CBET-aligned higher education system. He emphasized University’s proactive approach, stating that JKUAT is now positioned as the first formal training ground for CBET within the university space.
Additionally, he described the gender balance among the trainees as a strategic and commendable achievement, highlighting it as a model for equity and inclusion in academic reform initiatives.
Dr. Ndiritu was representing JKUAT Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi at the forum.
