Kenya’s education landscape is undergoing a significant transformation as the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) opens its doors for applications. This time, it’s all about Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) courses, with a target of 12,705 students set to kick off the Competency-Based Curriculum come January 2024.
The catalyst for this change? Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu’s recent directive urging all TVET institutions to promptly adopt the new Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET). According to Machogu, the groundwork is laid, with a solid legal and regulatory framework and improved TVET infrastructure across the country.
Responding to the call, KUCCPS unveiled the application portal on December 21, 2023, with 190 TVET institutions collectively offering 12,705 vacancies in various CBET programs. However, the window for applications is limited, closing its doors on January 2, 2024.
Dr. Agnes Mercy Wahome, the CEO of KUCCPS, highlights a key advantage of CBET courses — flexibility. Trainees can progress from one level to another based on experiential learning or skills gained in relevant industries.
Under the watchful eye of the TVET Curriculum Development, Assessment, and Certification Council (CDACC), students entering CBET courses will undergo assessments. These courses focus on practical skills through hands-on training, a departure from the traditional emphasis on theoretical learning.
This educational shift aligns with the new Kenya National Qualifications Framework, offering structured levels of learning. Artisan Certificate courses sit at Level 4, Craft Certificate Programs at Level 5, and Diploma courses at Level 6 in this framework.
As Kenya strides into this educational evolution, the Competency-Based Curriculum marks a departure from tradition. It promises a tailored approach to skill acquisition, preparing a new generation for the challenges of a rapidly changing world. With the application portal closing soon, a cohort of students is poised to embark on this transformative educational journey.