CS Ogamba calls on Universities to prepare for CBE students as transition looms in 2029

 Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has called on Kenyan Universities to begin early preparations for the first cohort of Competency-Based Education (CBE) Students who will join Universities come 2029.

While speaking during Kisii University's 14th graduation ceremony, CS Ogamba said higher learning institutions must adopt appropriate academic programmes within the CBE framework for better transition from basic education to higher learning. He called on the 31 fully-fledged universities, the 10 colleges, and 15 universities with provisional charters to do this in close collaboration with the Commission for University Education.

Ogamba said, "The Competency-Based Education system will have universities rethinking the design, delivery, and assessment of their programmes. Early preparation will ensure that when the learners who are skilled, adaptive, and competency-driven arrive, the institutions will be ready for them."

The Cabinet Secretary also called on university managers and councils to consider novel initiatives for the generation of more revenue to improve financial sustainability, with growing operational demands recorded within the higher education sector.

During the ceremony, a record 4,018 students graduated with degrees and diplomas in different specializations. The event also marked a major milestone as 24 students graduated with MBChB degrees, marking Kisii University's first-ever production of medical doctors.

CS Ogamba commended the growing interest of the university in health sciences and more importantly its cancer research and management programs, stating that programs of this nature are key to solving emerging national health challenges.

Dr Sara Ruto, Chairperson of Kisii University Council and Acting Chancellor, emphasized the need for Competency-Based Education in the current fast-changing world. She called on the graduands to embark on lifelong learning through upgrading their skills continuously to remain relevant and effective in the career world.

"As you step into the next chapter of your lives, remember that learning does not end at graduation," Dr Ruto told the graduates. "The modern workplace demands that adaptability and continuous learning will define success in the modern workplace.

The graduation ceremony drew in university leadership, government officials, parents, and other guests to celebrate academic achievement but also to emphasize the future direction of higher education in terms of CBE. to the nation.