Vice Chancellors Njenga Munene (Zetech University), Henry Kiplangat (Kabarak University) and Gideon Maina of Pioneer International University during a summit in Mombasa on 13 February 2025.
With four years remaining before the pioneer 1.2 million competency-based curriculum (CBC) learners leave senior school, private universities are reviewing their curricula and training in readiness for the transition.
Vice chancellors of 34 private universities who met in Mombasa County recently said they are putting up structures to accommodate the students under the competency-based education and training (CBET).
Preferred paths
The pioneer CBC cohort is in Grade Nine, the last class of junior school.
The students will sit the national assessment in November before moving to senior school in 2026.
This will take three years during which they will choose their preferred career paths.
The CBC framework has three pathways at senior school – social sciences; arts and sports; and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
“We call for a united approach by the government and other education stakeholders in ensuring a smooth transition of senior secondary students to university in 2029,” Kenya Association of Private Universities chairman Stephen Ngari said.
“CBET seeks to mainstream industry linkages and practical skills to students through the dual training approach.”
Human capital
The Catholic University of Eastern Africa Vice-Chancellor said the members of the association have agreed on joint research, teaching, supervision, publication, grant applications, sharing infrastructure and student and staff exchange.
Catholic University of Eastern Africa.
Kabarak University Vice-Chancellor, Henry Kiplangat, said the Nakuru-based institution is training and re-training academic staff and ensuring there are enough CBC resources.
“We need enough human capital to provide the necessary academic services. There is enough time for preparation as the students report to university in 2029,” Prof Kiplangat told the meeting, adding that parents are being engaged.
Prof Kiplangat said every university has strengths, adding that some institutions may decide to offer careers in the three pathways while others could focus on one or two.
“Kabarak University will offer the three,” Prof Kiplangat said.
He added that the new curriculum is good for the country, terming it a game-changer.
The Kabarak VC urged the government to invest adequately in the implementation of the new curriculum.
“Implementation requires huge investments. We must have the right infrastructure, human capital and other facilities like the internet and computers. If it is not invested in well, we might end up producing half-baked products,” the Kabarak University VC told the forum.
A front view of Kabarak University administration block in Nakuru County.
“The government needs to do more. We have witnessed what is happening in primary and secondary schools. There is the challenge of infrastructure and manpower and we hope it will be addressed soon.”
Marine training
Pioneer International University Vice-Chancellor, Gideon Maina, also said his institution is preparing to welcome the CBC students.
“We are lucky to be offering a Bachelor of Science in Flight Operations and Business Aviation. Pioneer International University has ventured into Marine programmes,” Prof Maina said.
“We are deconstructing the notion that Marine training can only be in the Coast.”
