Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba announced the results of the November/December 2024 Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) assessments. The results, released at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, revealed a record 196% increase in candidates assessed compared to the previous year.
A total of 65,808 candidates were assessed across 314 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) assessment centers between October 24 and November 22, 2024. The assessments spanned various qualification levels, showcasing the growing interest in technical and vocational education.
At Level 3, 202 candidates underwent assessment in multiple courses, with males constituting 59% (120 candidates) and females making up 41% (82 candidates). The National Skills certificate at this level covered 18 qualifications and 968 units of competency.
For Level 4, 9,090 candidates were assessed, with 5,153 (57%) being male and 3,936 (43%) female. The Artisan certificate included 47 qualifications and 49,391 units of competency, reinforcing the emphasis on foundational skills training.
At Level 5, the Craft certificate program saw the highest participation, with 28,878 candidates assessed. This cohort comprised 14,155 (49%) males and 14,712 (51%) females. The program covered 74 qualifications and 150,603 units of competency, underlining the increasing role of women in technical fields.
Level 6, which offers Diploma certification, recorded 27,636 candidates assessed. Of these, 14,442 (52%) were male, while 13,187 (48%) were female. The program encompassed 100 qualifications and 130,797 units of competency, highlighting a balanced gender representation in higher-level vocational training.
CS Ogamba emphasized that the sharp increase in participation underscores the government’s commitment to expanding TVET opportunities. “Overall, 65,808 candidates were assessed in 239 qualifications across all levels, completing 331,759 units of competency. These figures represent a remarkable 196% increase from the November/December 2023 assessment,” he stated.
Additionally, Ogamba launched the dual training policy to equip TVET students with a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. He urged trainees to leverage government initiatives such as the Hustler Fund and Youth Enterprise Development Fund to enhance their entrepreneurial prospects.
Highlighting the importance of inclusivity, the CS called for increased female participation in traditionally male-dominated fields like Engineering and Technology. “We must cater to women’s participation in these fields to ensure gender equality and competitiveness,” he said.
The government’s commitment to enhancing TVET education aims to position Kenya as a global leader in skills development, with a focus on emerging fields such as cybersecurity, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and automation.
