87,000+ trainees certified in March-April 2025 CBET results

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has announced the release of the March/April 2025 results for the Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) assessments, covering 87,904 candidates.

Ogamba highlighted that the results demonstrate the increasing acceptance and effectiveness of the CBET approach within the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector, representing significant progress in advancing skills development.

"This assessment highlights our focused effort to align TVET with the needs of the job market. The sector is shifting its emphasis from mere certification to actual skills proficiency. Let your abilities stand out, and may your creativity motivate those around you," Ogamba said.

The recent CBET assessment took place at 314 centres nationwide, evaluating candidates across 239 qualifications at various levels, with a total of 331,759 competency units.

Additionally, the National Skills Certificate series covered 18 qualifications comprising 968 distinct competencies.

This series represents the highest number of trainees assessed under the CBET framework to date, with officials noting consistent growth compared to past evaluations.

Ogamba reiterated the government’s dedication to positioning TVET as a transformative solution for the increasing number of high school graduates.

"We had set a target of two million trainees this year, but we’re currently at around 700,000. We believe this momentum will open doors to new partnerships and additional support, both in terms of funding and expertise," Ogamba said.

The Cabinet Secretary also revealed that the government is working with several ministries, among them Housing, to generate resources by accommodating trainees within training institutions.

He further noted that steps are being taken to streamline and boost HELB funding, so more learners can benefit from financial assistance.

He also praised the successful rollout of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy, led by the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA).

The initiative validates the skills of individuals who may lack formal education but have acquired expertise through hands-on experience.

"RPL promotes inclusion and opens doors," Ogamba said.

"It creates a bridge for skilled workers to pursue formal employment, career growth, or additional training."

He encouraged more institutions to register as RPL assessment centres to expand access.

Ogamba emphasized that the RPL policy is closely linked to the Affordable Housing Programme, as it facilitates the certification of skilled workers for upcoming construction projects, supporting the government’s goal of raising annual housing production from 50,000 to 250,000 units over the next five years.

He added that assessors and trainers have been empowered with hands-on expertise to implement CBET effectively, while advancements such as the Enhanced Assessment Portal have boosted efficiency and transparency in registration, grading, and results processing.

"Quality assurance is central to everything we do," the CS affirmed.

"From validating Portfolios of Evidence to deploying monitoring officers and securing assessment tools, each measure is aimed at maintaining the highest standards of integrity."

Ogamba urged young people to tap into government initiatives like the Hustler Fund and the Youth Enterprise Development Fund, particularly in emerging fields such as cybersecurity, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and automation.

"Your CBET certificate is more than a document, it’s a key," he said.

"Use your skills with purpose and innovation. Together, we’re not just building careers; we’re building Kenya’s future."

Dr. Esther Muoria, Principal Secretary in the State Department of TVET, emphasized that CBET is transforming the definition of success focusing on skills over paper credentials.

She celebrated the growing participation of young women in traditionally male-dominated trades, noting that women now make up 47% of diploma-level technical course enrollments.

"We no longer worry about university as the only path. TVET offers a solid, respected alternative," she said. "CBET is becoming central to Kenya’s development agenda."

Professor Hamed Ferej, Chairperson of the TVET CDACC Governing Council, highlighted the dramatic rise in candidate numbers from just 2,000 to over 88,000 in the current series.

"This marks the largest group we've assessed in one sitting," he said. "It reflects growing public trust in CBET."

He announced the Council's target to cross the 100,000 mark in the July/August cycle and underscored the importance of industry participation in the assessment process