Kenya’s Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba has told universities to speed up the realignment of academic programmes with the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) ahead of the first cohort of CBC learners entering tertiary institutions in 2029.
The directive came during Friday’s joint graduation ceremony of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and the Pan African University Institute for Basic Sciences, Technology and Innovation (PAUSTI).
In a speech read on his behalf by Dr David Watene, director in the State Department for Higher Education, Ogamba said universities should already be far along in curriculum reviews, upgrading facilities and training lecturers to handle students trained under the new system.
“By now, all universities should be at advanced stages in comprehensive curriculum review, upgrading of teaching and research facilities, and rigorous training of academic staff,” he said.
Shift from rote learning
CBC, rolled out in 2017 to replace the 8-4-4 system, emphasises practical skills, innovation and problem-solving rather than exam-focused learning. The first group of learners under the new pathway will complete secondary school in 2028 before joining university the following year.
Ogamba asked vice-chancellors and university councils to work closely with the Ministry of Education to ensure a smooth transition that meets national development goals.
“The government expects universities to redesign courses to emphasise practical skills, innovation and problem-solving — the key pillars of CBC,” he added.
JKUAT says it is ready
JKUAT Vice-Chancellor Prof Victoria Ngumi told the ceremony that her university had already reviewed curricula and trained staff to meet CBC demands.
She cited the Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering programme as an example of courses aligned with national priorities, especially the blue economy agenda.
“Kenya needs a specialised workforce that can unlock opportunities in maritime transport, shipbuilding, offshore energy and port operations,” Ngumi said, adding that JKUAT has produced 200 marine engineering graduates ready to serve as seafarers, engineers and port managers.
Record graduation
Friday’s event saw 4,541 students awarded degrees, diplomas and certificates in a ceremony that highlighted the growing scale of higher education as the sector prepares for the CBC transition.
