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CS Ogamba: Varsities must retrain teaching staff, revise curricular in line with CBE
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba at a past event.
The Ministry of Education has urged universities to retool their teaching staff, revise curricular and adopt experiential learning ahead of the rollout of the competency-based education (CBE) in the higher institutions.
Speaking at Alupe University's fourth Graduation Ceremony in Busia County on Thursday, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, in a speech read on his behalf by Principal Secretary for Higher Education Beatrice Inyangala, stated that universities must align their training to the evolving educational framework.
Dr Beatrice Inyangala, the Principal Secretary, State Department for Higher Education and Research.
“The Competency Based Education represents a paradigm shift from memorisation to mastery, from instruction to innovation,” CS Ogamba said.
The first cohort of CBE students are expected to join universities in 2029.
Mr Ogamba added that the government is harmonising pathways between Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions and universities to create a more seamless learning journey.
“We are breaking down the artificial divide between technical and academic training so that learners can move freely between the two systems. Through credit transfer frameworks, joint programmes, and institutional linkages, we are ensuring that practical skills and academic excellence go hand in hand,” he said.
Prof Mike Kuria, the CEO of the Commission for University Education (CUE), on October 2, 2025 told the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Education that there is an urgent need for budgetary allocations to help universities adequately prepare for the CBE transition.
The Nation has established that only the University of Nairobi has begun training its staff in preparation for the Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) transition set for 2029.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Prof Ayub Gitau, said the university’s CBET champions have been equipped with the necessary skills, knowledge, and attitudes to drive the implementation of the new system.
“The CBET champions were empowered to support the CBET–CPI Committee and faculty staff in sensitisation and advocacy activities to ensure a smooth rollout of the programme across the institution,” he said.
The university held a two-day, institution-wide CBET sensitisation workshop from August 25 to 26, 2025, targeting university management, faculty deans, departmental heads, and academic, administrative and ICT staff to enhance readiness for the new curriculum.
CS Ogamba further noted that the government is investing heavily in digital transformation and innovation under the Kenya Digital Superhighway and Creative Economy Agenda.
“Universities must become incubators of digital talent where students can explore coding, artificial intelligence, creative media, and entrepreneurship. By integrating digital learning in every discipline, we prepare our graduates to compete in the fast-evolving global economy,” he said.
CS Ogamba urged universities to promote green transition and climate-smart education, emphasising that climate change is both an environmental and developmental challenge.
“Kenyan universities must take the lead in embedding sustainability in teaching, research, and campus life. Sound governance and accountability remain the cornerstone of public trust in institutions of higher learning,” he added.
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah called for meritocracy in the appointment of university leadership, warning against the localisation of universities.
“Universities must remain universal and uphold merit. When someone is a professor, they are already qualified. What matters is merit, not ethnicity or regional affiliation,” he said.
Mr Omtatah opposed calls to drop some university courses, arguing that every discipline contributes to human development.
“There is no education at the university level that is irrelevant. We can restructure, but we cannot discard knowledge,” he said.
Prof Peter Barasa, the vice-chancellor of Alupe University, celebrated the institution’s rapid growth, recalling its humble beginnings.
“In 2022, when we received our charter, we could barely fit under a small tent. Today, we are proud to host over 4,800 students and 71 new staff members,” he said.
Prof Barasa urged the graduates not to be job seekers but to create opportunities for themselves. “I urge you to be leaders who create solutions, not just seekers of opportunities. There’s nothing as disappointing as an educated person acting foolishly; it kills the image of academia.”
