As institutions of higher learning prepare to receive the first cohort of Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) graduates in 2029, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) continues to sensitize its staff to strengthen institutional preparedness for the transition.
As part of these preparations, JKUAT, in collaboration with the Commission for University Education (CUE) and the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), recently held a staff sensitization workshop on the implementation of CBET.
The initiative forms part of university’s broader efforts to align its academic programmes with the national competency-based education reforms and ensure it is well prepared to receive learners transitioning from the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
Held on Friday, July 24, 2026, the workshop, organized through the College of Engineering and Technology (COETEC), brought together academic staff to deepen their understanding of the CBET framework, with a particular focus on transformative pedagogy, curriculum design and delivery, competency-based assessment, and the University’s role in ensuring a seamless transition to competency-based learning in higher education.
Speaking during the workshop, CUE Deputy Commission Secretary (Accreditation), Prof. Urbanus Mutwiwa, said the CBET model builds on and strengthens existing teaching practices by placing greater emphasis on the acquisition and demonstration of competencies that meet learners’ needs and industry expectations.
He noted that CUE is working closely with universities and other stakeholders to support the implementation of CBET and ensure institutions are adequately prepared for the transition.
Assistant Director at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), Dr. Johnstone Ochuma, highlighted the CBET model’s role in addressing the mismatch between university training and labour market needs.
He said the competency-based approach is designed to equip graduates with the practical knowledge, skills and attitudes required by industry, thereby enhancing their employability and responsiveness to the changing world of work.
“This new teaching model introduces innovative teaching practices aligned with university programmes, education pathways and learner tracks to ensure graduates acquire competencies that meet the demands of the labour market,” said Dr. Ochuma.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration and Finance, Prof. Bernard Ikua, said the transition to CBET presents an opportunity for universities to reorient teaching and learning towards producing graduates equipped with practical competencies, critical thinking skills and the ability to respond to the evolving needs of industry and society.
“This is an opportunity for institutions of higher learning to fine-tune their curricula ahead of the admission of the first CBET graduates in 2029 and align their programmes with the competency-based approach,” said Prof. Ikua.
The workshop is expected to inform ongoing curriculum review and alignment across the University, strengthen the capacity of academic staff to implement competency-based approaches, and support JKUAT’s preparations for the admission of the first CBET graduates in 2029.
