Universities call for more resources ahead of 2029 competency-based education rollout

Kenyan universities are gearing up for the rollout of competency-based education (CBE) in 2029, with the first cohort of students anticipated to enter higher education under this new system. Leaders and stakeholders from universities convened in Nairobi on August 21, 2026, for the inaugural Vice Chancellors’ Consultative Conference to review the draft CBE framework.

Organized by the Commission for University Education (CUE) in collaboration with the United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa), the conference aimed to discuss how universities can prepare for a system prioritizing skills, competencies, and labor market demands.

The proposed framework will guide universities in areas such as competency development, assessment, curriculum innovation, and partnerships with industry. Stakeholders emphasized the necessity for robust quality assurance and clear regulations to ensure a smooth transition. They also urged universities to collaborate and share resources to prevent duplication and enhance capacity.

A significant concern raised during the discussions was the requirement for additional staff and facilities. Participants noted that competency-based education necessitates smaller class sizes, necessitating increased university capacity and the employment of more teaching staff.

The CBE system aims to prioritize what learners can demonstrate over traditional methods of assessment based on memorization and repetition. It offers an opportunity to diversify the methods of measuring intelligence, focusing on practical skills rather than rote learning. Another speaker highlighted the importance of universities adapting emerging technologies to Kenya's and Africa's unique needs, rather than merely adopting global models.

They stressed the rapid pace at which technologies are developed and the need to harness these advancements to address local challenges effectively.

The discussions underscored the importance of developing programs that equip graduates to tackle the challenges facing Kenya and the broader African continent. The Ministry of Education is working alongside CUE to finalize the University CBE Framework, which will provide guidance on program development, lecturer training, learning outcomes, and aligning university courses with industry needs.

The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) is also preparing a pathway-based placement system for the 2029 intake, encompassing STEM, social sciences, arts, and sports tracks. Universities have begun their preparatory efforts, including staff training, curriculum revisions, and the establishment of committees dedicated to competency-based education.

As the transition toward CBE gains momentum, universities are concentrating on various aspects such as staffing, facilities, curriculum development, assessment methodologies, and forging partnerships with industry. With the inaugural CBE cohort set to commence in 2029, universities are actively addressing the multifaceted needs required for this transformative educational shift.