The Principal Secretary (PS), State Department for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Dr. Esther Thaara Muoria, has affirmed the need for a stronger industry-aligned and practical integration in training programmes that is based on contemporary labour market demand.
Speaking during the opening session of a curriculum review workshop at the Nyeri National Polytechnic, Dr. Muoria emphasised that the success of CBET hinges on its ability to produce graduates who are not only knowledgeable but also practically competent and adaptable to evolving industry demands.
Participants engaged in deliberations aimed at refining the modular CBET structure, with a strong focus on deepening industry participation.
The National Workshop on Restructuring and Alignment of the Modular Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) Curriculum brings together key TVET stakeholders to review the first year of CBET implementation and chart a more responsive, demand-driven training framework that directly addresses labour market needs.
Dr. Muoria noted that the restructuring and alignment process is a critical step towards enhancing the quality and credibility of Kenya’s TVET system, adding that the government is committed to ensuring that training institutions deliver skills that match both local and global workforce expectations.
“We must strengthen practical integration within our training programmes and ensure that subject experts play a central role in shaping curricula that remain relevant and responsive to the labour market,” she stated.
The Principal Secretary further highlighted that the modular approach under CBET offers flexibility and specialisation, enabling trainees to acquire targeted competencies in specific areas.
However, she observed that continuous refinement is necessary to ensure the modules adequately reflect emerging trends and sector-specific needs.
Dr. Muoria pointed out that collaboration between training institutions and industry players remains a cornerstone of effective skills development.
“We must build stronger partnerships with industry to ensure that our training programmes are aligned with real workplace requirements. This will not only enhance employability but also drive innovation and productivity within the economy,” she added.
The discussions also explored strategies for ensuring that training programmes are consistently updated to reflect specialisation areas required by various sectors of the economy.
Stakeholders examined ways to integrate feedback from employers, industry experts and professional bodies into curriculum design and review processes.
Dr. Muoria reiterated that the outcomes of the workshop will inform the next phase of strengthening CBET implementation across the country.
She expressed confidence that the engagement would yield practical recommendations to improve curriculum delivery and assessment.
“The insights and resolutions from this workshop will guide us in reinforcing CBET, so that our TVET system continues to produce skilled, competent and globally competitive graduates,” she said.
She also called on all stakeholders to remain committed to the reform process, noting that a collaborative and inclusive approach is essential for achieving sustainable results.
Dr. Muoria assured of the government’s commitment to transforming the TVET sector into a key driver of national development.
She noted that a well-structured and industry-aligned training system is essential for equipping young people with the skills needed to thrive in a competitive global economy.
Participants at the workshop included curriculum developers, trainers, industry representatives and policymakers, all of whom contributed to discussions on enhancing the effectiveness of CBET.
The forum provided a platform for sharing experiences, identifying challenges and proposing solutions to improve training outcomes.
Key areas of focus included strengthening assessment frameworks, improving trainer capacity and enhancing the integration of technology in training delivery.
Stakeholders emphasised the importance of continuous professional development for trainers to ensure they are well equipped to deliver competency-based instruction.
Participants agreed that data-driven approaches will be critical in measuring progress and informing future policy decisions.
The National Workshop on Restructuring and Alignment of the Modular CBET Curriculum is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of technical training in Kenya, as stakeholders work towards a more responsive and inclusive education system.
By Joan Ogolla (PCO)
