The government is preparing to introduce Competency-Based Education (CBE) and training in universities as it moves to align higher education with the skills and demands of the labour market.
The Ministry of Education, in a notice issued on Tuesday, August 18, invited consultants to help develop a university competency-based education and training framework under a new project supported by the African Development Fund.
The consultancy will focus on developing a CBE framework that could change how university programmes are designed, taught and assessed.
According to the Ministry, the work will be carried out under the Support to Higher Education, Science and Technology Phase II Project, which is financed by the African Development Fund.
“The Government of the Republic of Kenya has received financing from the African Development Fund (ADF) towards the implementation of the Support to Higher Education, Science and Technology (HEST) Phase II Project and intends to apply part of the agreed amount for this Loan to payments under the contract for consultancy services to undertake a university competency-based education and training framework,” read the notice in parts.
“The services to be included under this project are to support the Commission for University Education in the review, validation, development, implementation and operationalization of a University Competence-Based Education (CBE) Framework in Kenya that enhances quality, relevance, employability, innovation capacity and industry responsiveness of university education.”
Universities to Review How Students Are Taught Under CBE Framework
The selected consultant will assess the current university education system and develop a framework for introducing CBE and training.
The Ministry said the assignment will include evaluating the existing curriculum and training system, identifying gaps, and highlighting challenges in the current framework.
The consultant will also be expected to assess how university education and training can be aligned with competency-based principles.
Under the proposed framework, universities could see changes in several key areas, including curriculum design, teaching methods, assessment, and learning approaches.
The Ministry is also seeking recommendations on how institutions can strengthen teaching and learning through competency-based approaches.
Focus on Skills and Labour Market Needs
A major part of the planned reforms will focus on aligning university programmes with labour market demands and national development priorities.
The consultant will be required to assess the relevance of university programmes and recommend how academic courses can better respond to the skills required by employers and the changing economy.
The assignment will also involve examining the gap between the skills graduates acquire in universities and those required in the job market.
Among the expected tasks is the development of strategies for the implementation of competency-based education in universities.
The Ministry also wants the consultant to propose a monitoring and evaluation framework to assess the implementation of the new approach.
Possible Changes to Curriculum and Assessment
The planned framework could also change how university students are assessed.
The Ministry wants the consultant to review assessment practices and develop recommendations aligned with competency-based education principles.
This could shift greater focus towards the practical application of skills alongside traditional academic learning.
The consultant will also review university curricula and recommend changes that support competency-based learning.
Other areas under review include the use of technology, innovation and emerging trends in higher education.
The Ministry said the framework should also promote inclusivity, quality assurance and academic mobility.
The planned changes could directly affect universities, lecturers and students if the competency-based framework is adopted.
Universities may be required to review existing programmes and teaching methods to ensure they focus more closely on the skills students are expected to acquire.
Lecturers could also require training to support the implementation of the new system.
The consultant will be expected to identify the capacity-building measures universities and other stakeholders need to implement the framework.
The Ministry is also seeking recommendations on institutional and financial arrangements needed to ensure the framework can be adopted and implemented sustainably.
One Year Assignment
The consultancy is expected to run for 12 months.
During that period, the selected consultant will work with the Commission for University Education (CUE) and other stakeholders to develop the framework.
The Ministry said the assignment will include stakeholder consultations and the preparation of an implementation strategy and capacity-building plan.
The CBE framework is expected to provide guidance on curriculum development, teaching and learning, assessment, quality assurance and the use of technology in university education.
The Ministry of Education has now asked interested consultants to submit expressions of interest.
CUE is spearheading the development of the University Competency-Based Education Framework (UCBEF), which is expected to guide universities as they prepare for the first CBE cohort transitioning to higher education in 2029.
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