New pathways: CBE and TVET give Rift Valley families more choices

Pulse Kenya reports that the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) are now offering Rift Valley youth more than one route to success.

What the report says

According to Pulse Kenya, CBE and TVET give Rift Valley youth more than one route to success. The brief note highlights that learners in the region can now consider both the academic pathway provided by the competency-based curriculum and the practical, skills-focused pathway offered by TVET institutions. No further specifics about programme details, enrollment numbers or implementation timelines have been released at this stage. Stakeholders are encouraged to await official guidance from the Ministry of Education for clarification.

Because the summary does not provide further detail, parents and teachers should treat the information as an early indication rather than a confirmed policy change. Until the Ministry publishes comprehensive guidelines, families can continue to follow the existing CBE strands and sub-strands while exploring local TVET opportunities that may already be available. Keeping an eye on local school notices and community meetings will help families stay informed about any new enrolment windows or scholarship schemes that may arise.

Why multiple pathways matter for Kenyan families

Having both CBE and TVET routes gives families the flexibility to match a child’s strengths, interests and the labour market demands of the Rift Valley. When a learner excels in the academic strands such as Literacy and Numeracy, the CBE pathway can lead to further study in secondary schools and eventually university. Conversely, a student who shows aptitude in practical sub-strands like Mechanical Skills or Agricultural Practices can transition smoothly into TVET programmes that provide certifications. This dual option can reduce pressure on parents to force a single career trajectory.

When households can choose the route that best fits their economic reality, they are more likely to keep children in education longer, reducing dropout rates that have plagued some parts of the region. A TVET qualification can lead directly to paid employment in sectors such as construction, hospitality or agro-processing, while a CBE qualification opens doors to further academic study and potentially higher-earning professions. Both outcomes contribute to household income stability and can stimulate local economies as skilled graduates remain in the area.

Implications for teachers and schools

Teachers now have the opportunity to guide learners toward either the CBE academic strands or the TVET sub-strands that align with their talents. This requires schools to maintain up-to-date information on local TVET centres, entry requirements and the specific skill blocks they offer. By incorporating career-orientation sessions into the existing Life Skills timetable, educators can help students map out realistic pathways and set achievable goals. Collaboration with TVET institutions can also provide guest lecturers, practical demonstrations and work-experience placements that enrich classroom learning.

Professional development programmes should include modules on how to integrate competency-based assessment with the practical competencies required by TVET. Schools can use resources such as the CBC Teacher’s Guide and online platforms that showcase exemplar projects from both academic and technical streams. When teachers model lifelong learning and demonstrate respect for both routes, they reinforce the message that success is not limited to a single type of education. This balanced approach can improve student motivation and reduce stigma attached to vocational pathways.

Keeping your child learning regardless of the chosen path

Whether a child follows the academic strands or enrols in a TVET programme, consistent study habits remain essential. Parents can set aside a quiet time each day for reading, problem-solving and reflective journalling linked to the current CBC sub-strands. Using free resources such as the Ministry’s online textbooks, printable worksheets and the interactive exercises on Grade 7 or Grade 9 pages helps reinforce classroom learning. The regular use of these tools builds confidence and ensures that gaps are addressed promptly.

Extracurricular clubs, community service and small-scale projects can complement formal lessons and give practical context to the concepts taught in class. For example, a family garden can illustrate agricultural sub-strands, while a simple budgeting exercise can bring mathematics to life. Encouraging children to present their work at home or in school assemblies develops communication skills that are valued in both academic and technical careers. These activities keep learning active during school breaks and reinforce the relevance of the CBC curriculum.

Practical steps parents can take today

Start by reviewing the CBC learner’s guide for your child’s current grade to identify the key strands and sub-strands being covered. Compare these with any TVET options advertised by nearby technical colleges and note where interests overlap. Write down a short plan that includes daily study times, resources needed and any upcoming school events such as career fairs. This simple document becomes a reference point for both you and your child.

Visit your child’s school to discuss the dual pathway options with the class teacher and ask for a list of recognised TVET centres. During the upcoming school holidays, enrol your child in a short-term workshop or community apprenticeship that aligns with a chosen sub-strand, such as basic carpentry or digital literacy. Keep an eye on scholarship announcements on the Ministry’s website and on local radio. For additional learning kits, you can browse the CBCEduKenya shop for affordable practice materials.