At least 106 trainers from Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions in Kenya’s coastal region have completed a two-week capacity-building program on Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET). The training was held at Ahmed Shahame Mwidani Technical Training Institute in Mombasa and was organized by the Kenya School of Technical Vocational and Educational Training (KSTVET).
This is part of the government’s effort to align TVET curricula to industry needs and bridge the skills gap in the job market. Since October 2024, about 1,511 trainers have been trained in CBET under this program.
Training Objectives and Impact
The CBET training focused on equipping educators with modern instructional techniques, learner engagement strategies and industry-driven assessment methods.
According to CBET Master Trainer Lead, Ruth Kinyanjui, the training ensures TVET trainers are well equipped to implement competency-based learning effectively.
“The training is designed to align education with industry needs, focusing on equipping trainers with the tools and skills to deliver CBET learning effectively,” she said.
David Nyambuti, State Department of TVET representative, noted this is the fourth cohort of trainers to undergo the program.
“This training is equipping educators with the expertise to grow professionally while meeting the demands of competency-based teaching,” he said.
Industry Integration and Hands-On Learning
A key aspect of CBET is integrating theoretical learning with industry exposure. Trainers are encouraged to collaborate with industries to ensure students get real world experience before graduation.
Margaret Wangari Mwangi, a senior trainee from Taita-Taveta National Polytechnic, praised the initiative for blending theoretical and practical learning.
Sammy Matanda, a trainer from the program, said CBET will greatly enhance skill transfer, prepare students for employment and self-reliance.
Future of CBET in Kenya
The Kenyan government has committed to strengthening TVET programs under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) framework. With a focus on hands-on learning and employability, CBET is expected to revolutionize skills training in the country.
The training will continue, more trainers across different regions will undergo similar capacity building programs in the coming months.