CBET—Competency-Based Education and Training—is reshaping how Kenya prepares its people for the job market. It’s a bold shift away from traditional teaching models, focusing instead on what learners can do, not just what they know.
In a country where unemployment remains high despite increasing academic qualifications, CBET offers a practical and performance-driven alternative. Whether you’re a student, a parent, a policymaker, or a Kenyan in the diaspora, understanding how CBET works and why it matters is key to embracing the future of education and work in Kenya.
But what exactly is CBET? Why is it important for students, parents, employers, and even the diaspora community? And how is it different from traditional education?
Let’s unpack what CBET really means—and why it’s a game changer for Kenya’s workforce.
Understanding CBET: The Basics
Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) is an approach to teaching and learning that focuses on the ability to perform tasks to industry standards, rather than the number of hours a student spends in class.
In other words, instead of sitting through fixed lessons and exams, students under CBET must demonstrate that they can do what a job requires—like wiring a house safely, baking to a commercial standard, or coding a basic app.
CBET has been championed in Kenya to bridge the gap between what is taught in training institutions and the real needs of the job market. The system is coordinated by institutions like TVET CDACC (Curriculum Development, Assessment and Certification Council) and regulated by TVETA (Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority).
Why Kenya Shifted to CBET
For years, Kenya’s technical training system was mostly exam-based and classroom-focused. Students spent years studying theory, only to graduate and find they lacked the practical skills employers were looking for.
CBET was introduced as part of a wider reform to address:
- High unemployment among youth with academic qualifications but limited hands-on experience.
- A mismatch between industry needs and the curriculum being taught.
- The need to promote self-employment and practical innovation.
By aligning training with occupational standards defined by industries themselves, CBET ensures that learners graduate job-ready and confident in their skills.
How CBET Differs from Traditional Training
To really appreciate CBET, it helps to compare it with the older system still used in some colleges:
| Aspect | Traditional Training | CBET System |
| Focus | Time-based learning, theory-heavy | Competency-based, skills-oriented |
| Assessment | Written exams and grading | Practical tasks and Portfolio of Evidence (POE) |
| Curriculum | Fixed syllabus from start to finish | Modular and flexible |
| Progression | Year-based (e.g., 3-year diploma) | Learner progresses by mastering skills |
| Recognition | Little recognition of informal skills | Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) available |
The shift is not just cosmetic—it redefines what education means for a new generation of learners.
How CBET Works in Kenya’s TVET Colleges
1. Defined Competencies
Every CBET course is built around competencies—clear statements of what a person should be able to do after training. These are developed by industry experts and approved by TVET CDACC.
For example, in a course on Electrical Installation, competencies might include: “Install domestic electrical wiring” or “Troubleshoot basic electrical faults.”
2. Modular Learning
Instead of covering everything in one long course, CBET breaks training into manageable modules. Students can earn certificates for each module and return later to continue. This allows flexibility, especially for working learners.
3. Practical Assessments
To pass, students must demonstrate skills through real or simulated tasks. These are documented in a Portfolio of Evidence that forms part of the final assessment. No one graduates by just passing a theory test.
4. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
CBET allows skilled individuals—like jua kali artisans or returnees from abroad—to gain formal certification without starting from scratch. If you can demonstrate your skills, you may be exempted from some modules.
Real-World Impact: Why CBET Matters
Better Employment Prospects
CBET graduates often find it easier to enter the job market because they’ve been trained on current tools, equipment, and processes. Employers are also more confident hiring graduates who’ve been tested on the job—not just in a classroom.
Flexibility for Lifelong Learning
CBET’s modular design makes it easier to pause, work, return to school, or change careers entirely. It’s ideal for adult learners, busy parents, and workers looking to upskill.
Empowering Self-Employment
Because students are trained to perform, CBET naturally promotes entrepreneurship. Whether it’s plumbing, welding, baking, or beauty therapy, learners leave with marketable skills they can monetize.
Alignment with Vision 2030
CBET supports Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the Big 4 Agenda by preparing a technically skilled workforce for manufacturing, housing, healthcare, and food security sectors.
Challenges Along the Way
Like any new system, CBET has faced some growing pains:
- Trainer Capacity: Not all instructors are fully trained in CBET methods, especially in rural institutions.
- Infrastructure Gaps: Some colleges still lack modern labs and equipment for hands-on training.
- Public Awareness: Many parents and students still don’t fully understand the value of CBET compared to traditional degrees.
- Dual Certification Systems: Some colleges run both traditional and CBET programs, which causes confusion for learners.
Despite these hurdles, government investment and industry partnerships are helping to scale up CBET nationally.
What It Means for You
Whether you’re a student choosing a career path, a parent supporting a child’s education, or a professional looking to reskill, CBET offers a practical, relevant route to success.
If you live in the diaspora, CBET offers a pathway to support skill-building back home—by funding short courses, mentoring young people, or even working with training institutions to align programs with global standards.
Final Thoughts
Kenya’s shift to Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) is more than just a curriculum change—it represents a fundamental mindset shift. It puts skills over scores, competence over credentials, and performance over paperwork. The aim is not simply to educate, but to equip—to ensure learners can apply what they know in real-world environments.
Institutions like Sensei Institute of Technology are at the forefront of this transformation. With campuses across Kenya and a strong reputation for hands-on technical training, Sensei has fully embraced the CBET model. Their programs—from automotive engineering and plumbing to agribusiness and welding—are designed around real occupational standards, using modern equipment and industry-aligned assessments.
Sensei has also been a pioneer in modular training, allowing students to complete short, skills-focused units at their own pace—ideal for youth, working adults, and returning professionals. By integrating entrepreneurship training, workplace simulations, and trainer development, Sensei is not just teaching skills; it’s building confidence and creating pathways to employment and self-reliance.
As more learners embrace CBET and more employers demand job-ready graduates, Kenya is steadily building a stronger, more adaptive workforce—ready not just for jobs, but for innovation and long-term economic resilience.
