How TVET's Success is Shaping Kenya's Education Future | Vision2030

How TVET's Success is Shaping Kenya's Education Future

Kenya's education system is changing. We're moving away from memorizing facts to learning practical skills that lead to real jobs. This shift to Competency-Based Education (CBE) is happening across all levels, from primary schools to technical colleges.

But here's something interesting: while everyone talks about changes in primary and secondary schools, technical colleges (TVET institutions) are already succeeding with this new approach. Their success story offers valuable lessons for every school in Kenya.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba says TVET is crucial for achieving Vision 2030. The Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) model is working. It's preparing Kenyan youth with hands-on skills needed for industrialization. This success shows us what's possible when education focuses on real-world competence.

Why TVET Matters for Kenya's Future

Kenya wants to become an industrialized nation. To do this, we need skilled workers. TVET institutions are training these workers right now. They're proving that competency-based learning works.

For parents, this means your child's education is becoming more connected to job opportunities. For teachers and school administrators, TVET shows that aligning curriculum with national goals is possible. The government is committed to making CBET work across all education levels.

The Power of Practical Skills

CS Ogamba explains that CBET in TVET institutions is giving Kenyan youth the hands-on skills needed for industrialization. This focus on practical knowledge is exactly what the wider CBE curriculum aims to teach from early grades.

We must see primary and secondary education not just as preparation for exams, but as the first step in developing job-ready skills. Every lesson should connect to real-world applications.

How Industry Partnerships Solve the Skills Gap

One of the biggest lessons from TVET is the need for schools to work with industries. For years, Kenyan employers complained that graduates had certificates but lacked practical skills. TVET is solving this problem through partnerships.

The TVET CDACC (Curriculum Development, Assessment and Certification Council) works closely with industries to ensure training matches job market needs. This collaboration has produced over 400 competency-based curricula designed with industry experts.

Here's what this means:

• Relevant Curriculum: Courses match what employers actually need
• Industry Assessment: Employers help assess student skills
• Continuous Updates: Curricula stay current with technology changes

What Schools Can Learn

If TVET needs industry input to stay relevant, how can regular schools do the same?

For School Administrators: Build partnerships with local businesses. Even small businesses can provide valuable exposure. Let students work on real projects that solve community problems. Use digital tools like EduPoa to track how student competencies match industry needs.

For Teachers: Learn to assess observable competencies, not just test scores. The CBET model requires clear quality standards. Use digital platforms to create consistent assessment rubrics that measure real skills.

Recognizing Skills Beyond Certificates

Here's something exciting: Kenya now recognizes skills even without formal certificates. The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) initiative, led by the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA), allows people with valuable skills to get certified even if they never went to school.

This is a game-changer for inclusivity. It means talent isn't wasted just because someone lacks academic papers. Competence matters more than certificates alone.

What This Means for Parents

Your child's demonstrated ability, their actual competency, is becoming more important than just grades. The system is moving toward valuing practical skills. Encourage your children to participate in hands-on activities, vocational clubs, and community service. These experiences build real competencies.

The scale of this transformation is impressive. In just one assessment period (July/August 2024), TVET assessed 59,575 candidates across 252 assessment centers in 226 different qualifications. Managing this requires digital systems that can track competencies accurately and consistently.

Preparing for Tomorrow: Green Skills and Global Opportunities

Education must prepare students for the future, not just today's jobs. TVET is leading the way by integrating green skills and environmental awareness into curricula. This prepares youth for jobs that don't even exist yet.

Kenya is also positioning itself as a leader in Competency-Based Education across Africa. Partnerships with organizations like GIZ, the International Labour Organization (ILO), Mastercard Foundation, and the World Bank are strengthening CBET implementation. These collaborations bring global best practices to Kenya and create international opportunities for Kenyan students.

This proves that Kenyan institutions can deliver high-quality, competency-based education that meets international standards.

What You Can Do Today

The TVET success story shows that competency-based education works when it's relevant, well-managed, and connected to real-world needs. Here's how different stakeholders can apply these lessons:

For School Administrators

Use digital tools to track student competencies against industry skill demands. This helps inform subject choices and project-based learning. Build formal partnerships with local businesses for mentorship and practical exposure. Don't wait for industries to come to you; reach out and create opportunities.

For Teachers

Use digital platforms to create and manage standardized competency assessment rubrics. These should define proficiency clearly and consistently. This ensures fairness and quality across all classes. Focus on assessing what students can do, not just what they know.

For Parents

Encourage your children's participation in practical activities, vocational clubs, and community service. Support the development of green skills and environmental awareness. These are future job requirements. Recognize that hands-on learning is just as valuable as academic learning.

For Policy Makers

Invest in digital infrastructure. Managing thousands of assessments requires digital efficiency. Ensure all education levels have the technology needed to manage curriculum delivery, assessment data, and competency tracking at scale.

The Role of Technology in This Transformation

The success of CBET in TVET proves that Kenya is on the right path toward Vision 2030. By emphasizing industry relevance, integrating future-ready skills, and maintaining high standards, TVET provides a blueprint for the entire CBE system.

But managing this transformation, connecting learning outcomes to national goals and tracking competencies across thousands of students, is impossible without digital tools.

This is where EduPoa™ comes in. Our mission is to help Kenyan schools manage the complexities of CBE. We provide tools for school management, digital competency tracking, and transparent communication between educators, administrators, and parents.

By using technology to manage competency-based education, we ensure that the lessons from TVET's success can be applied across all schools. This helps every Kenyan child become a skilled contributor to our nation's economic future.

Ready to transform your school's approach to competency-based education? Discover how EduPoa™ can help you track student competencies, manage assessments, and prepare students for success in Kenya's evolving education system.

About EduPoa™: EduPoa™ is Kenya's leading student management system designed specifically for Competency-Based Education. We help schools track student competencies, manage digital portfolios, analyze performance, and generate reports that meet CBE requirements. Our platform makes it easy for schools to transition from traditional to competency-based learning, ensuring every student develops the skills needed for success in Kenya's Vision 2030 economy.