Universities gear up for CBC era with lecturer retooling, curriculum overhaul

As the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), a transformative shift in education, continues to gain momentum, universities across Kenya are rolling out initiatives to align their systems with the changing needs of learners and the global workforce.

These institutions are implementing strategies to ensure a smooth transition, focusing on retooling lecturers, upgrading laboratories to meet modern standards, and redesigning curricula to accommodate the demands of CBC learners.

Among the leading institutions in this transition is KCA University, which has launched a dedicated teachers' college to train professors and lecturers in the principles and practices of CBC.

According to the university’s Vice Chancellor and CEO, Professor Isaiah Wakindiki, the newly established college will equip academic staff with essential skills to effectively support the CBC transition.

“With the 8-4-4 system of education drawing to a close, universities must take proactive steps to adapt to the demands of the CBC,” said Wakindiki during KCA’s 17th graduation ceremony, where over 2,700 students graduated.

He described the launch of the lecturer retooling college as a significant milestone in preparing academic staff for the CBC era. Wakindiki also lauded the government’s recent reforms in higher education, emphasizing their necessity in resolving longstanding confusion in the sector.

The Vice Chancellor particularly highlighted the need for a clear distinction between university-level education and artisan courses, arguing that the overlap between the two had created unnecessary disarray.

Wakindiki further attributed Kenya's unproductive economy to the inadequate absorption of graduates into the job market. While he acknowledged that the migration of skilled labor could offer temporary relief, he cautioned that the departure of professionals might hinder efforts to rebuild the country if they do not return.

In his address, KCA University’s newly appointed Chancellor, Dr. Martin Oduor, stressed the importance of universities offering market-driven courses to better prepare learners for the evolving job market. He urged graduates to embrace innovation and prioritize self-employment as viable career paths.

Graduates at the ceremony expressed optimism about their future contributions to the nation. Mitchele Nyambura, who earned a degree in Counseling Psychology, and Daniel Ndung’u, a Business and IT graduate, shared their aspirations to apply their skills meaningfully. Ndung’u added, “We aim to balance the equation in life through our contributions to society.”

This development underscores the ongoing efforts by universities to address the challenges and opportunities presented by CBC, ensuring they remain relevant in a rapidly changing educational and professional landscape.