Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions in Mombasa have reported success in the implementation of Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET), with institutions citing stronger industry linkages and improved employability among trainees.
Likoni Technical and Vocational College (TVC) and Kenya Coast National Polytechnic have recorded improved employment rates since adopting the CBET curriculum, which emphasizes practical skills over theoretical learning.
Speaking exclusively to KNA, Samira Abdalla, the Principal of Likoni TVC, said the institution, which is a centre of excellence in refrigeration and air conditioning, has recorded steady growth in learner numbers, from about 100 students to over 1000 students within three years.
The college has also recorded programme expansion from two to seven to including electrical installation, culinary arts, plumbing, fashion and design, and painting, in response to market demand from the hospitality industry and the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone.
She noted that the institution’s proximity to the Indian Ocean and the shipping corridor has strengthened demand for refrigeration and cooling skills in the marine, hospitality and industrial sectors.
Abdalla said the transition to CBET has improved the quality of training through hands-on learning and structured assessment. She added that the curriculum has reduced theory-based teaching and increased practical sessions, allowing trainees to handle industry-grade equipment.
“Learners leave with job-ready skills. By the time they complete three months, six months, one year or two years, they can work with little supervision,” she said, adding that many trainees secure supervisory roles due to their exposure to different machines and workplace standards.
“The employment rate is quite high. We had nine students in painting, and when they finished, they all got employment. In electrical, a large number of students have been absorbed by Kenya Power,” she said.
Abdalla added that the institution has partnered with over 25 industries for dual training, allowing students to gain practical experience while studying. She noted that the painting course has recorded particularly high demand, with students securing jobs even before completing their examinations.
The institution has also implemented income-generating activities through short courses, training over 97 displaced residents from Dongo Kundu who have since started businesses or secured employment.
Jane Kariuki, Deputy Principal Academics of Kenya Coast National Polytechnic, said the industry now appreciates receiving well-skilled individuals who do not require retraining.
“The industry appreciates the fact that we are sending them well-skilled individuals who are suited to their industries, unlike previously, where they had to retrain the workers again,” Kariuki said.
Kelvin Oloko, a trainer at Kenya Coast National Polytechnic, said the institution, which is a centre of excellence in hospitality and tourism, has collaborated with hotels in Mombasa for dual training programmes.
“We’ve been able to send students to the industrial block every three months. They return to the industry, and I can attest that these students are well-prepared for the market. There is no need for retraining because they have been part of the industry,” Oloko said.
He cited partnerships with English Point Marina, Travellers Beach Hotel, Voyager Beach Resort, and Sapphire Hotel, noting that some students have been absorbed by the same industries where they trained.
Martin Mulwa, Head of the Department of Maritime Studies at Kenya Coast National Polytechnic, said that CBET addresses gaps in the previous curriculum by aligning training with industry needs and reducing course duration.
“The previous curriculum had gaps. The CBET one is geared towards addressing those gaps. The time duration is short. Previously, the lowest level Artisan took two years, but now it is six months. Craft used to be two years, now it is one year,” Mulwa said.
He added that the reduced duration has made trainees eager to advance their skills, knowing it will take less time to complete courses.
By Sitati Reagan
