Learners in Kenya’s TVET institutions will soon be able to gain job-ready skills and receive certification within three months, following the full rollout of the new competency-based education and training (CBET) curriculum set for January 2026.

The shift was highlighted during a stakeholders’ meeting at Kenya Coast Polytechnic in Mombasa, where TVET principals from the Coast region were briefed on the changes.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba said the new system is focused on speeding up skill acquisition and removing outdated academic requirements that delay learners’ progress.

“We do not need to waste learners’ time making them study common units that do not align with their career paths. You cannot tell me a mason must learn English just to be tested in it,” said Ogamba.
“We were in China the other day, and with just an earpiece, we could communicate effectively. That is where we need to go,” he added.

Ogamba said that CBET allows learners to enter the job market faster and return for more training if needed. The goal is to grow TVET enrolment from 700,000 to two million learners by the end of 2025. He noted that most secondary school leavers would now be absorbed into TVETs, making the new approach even more urgent.

“Only 25 per cent of 2024 Form Four leavers will join universities this year. The remaining 75 per cent will go to TVETs. We must reimagine how we deliver education and prove the impact of this model so that we can secure more funding,” he said.

Since the CBET system was officially launched in public TVETs in May 2025, 184 modular programmes have been approved. Already, 7,000 trainers have been prepared to deliver the new content.

The curriculum is structured into flexible, independent modules that allow learners to work at their own pace and specialise in specific areas. Learners can choose between full or partial qualifications depending on their interests.

TVET Principal Secretary Esther Muoria said the modular format makes it easier for students to manage their learning journey. “A student can now earn a certificate after completing one to six modules. Those capable of acquiring three skills – such as bricklaying, plastering and finishing – can do so within three months,” she said.

“This is not a reform for the TVET department alone. It is a national education revolution,” she added, saying the system welcomes all students, regardless of whether they scored high or low grades in the national exams.

According to Anthony Mwangi of the TVET Authority Council, current students will finish their ongoing programmes under the current module system until November. “Those who are currently enrolled will continue with the current module system until November. New entrants will be advised to sit specific papers in July and November, then move fully into the new model next year,” he said.

Dr Bernard Isalambo, the Chief Technical Education Officer, said the previous curriculum was not effective in recognising real skills.

“We must move away from the idea that a certificate equals competence. Many employers are now looking for practical skills, and that is what CBET is designed to deliver,” he said.

The full implementation of the CBET system supports the wider Competency-Based Education framework, which will reach higher education in 2029 when the first CBE cohort graduates from secondary school.

In preparation, the government has approved the Dual Training Policy, which makes it mandatory for training institutions to work closely with industry players.