University of Nairobi Adopts Competency-Based Education Model

Nairobi, Kenya- August 29th 2025

The University of Nairobi is preparing for a major shift in its academic approach, rolling out a Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) model in anticipation of the first cohort of senior school graduates from the new system in 2029. This initiative, led by the UoN Senate's sub-Committee for CBET Preparation and Implementation (CPI), is a strategic move to align the university's programs with modern workforce demands and address the skills mismatch in the labor market.

Professor Ayub Gitau, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic Affairs.  The transition is a "significant re-tooling milestone" for the university, on behalf of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Margret Hutchison, he emphasized that CBET is more than just a curriculum change; it's a strategic shift toward a skill-driven, outcome-based, and learner-centered approach that focuses on real-world competencies.

To facilitate this transition, the university has been conducting widespread sensitization and training sessions for its staff. The process began on June 30, 2025, with the training of over 90 CBET "Trainer of Trainers" (TOTs) from various faculties and institutes. These champions were empowered with the necessary skills and knowledge to support the CBET-CPI committee and faculty staff in the implementation process. A university-wide sensitization for management, deans, and other staff followed on August 25 and 26, 2025.

Professor Rosemary Imonje, Chairperson of the CBET-CPI steering committee, noted that the CBET framework at UoN will involve re-envisioning existing programs to focus on job-specific competencies, practical skills, and values applicable to industry and small and medium-sized enterprises.

The CBET-CPI committee, which operates through three sub-committees—Frameworks, Curriculum Review, and Sensitization —is currently in a critical phase of its implementation roadmap. On August 28, 2025, the committee launched an induction for faculty-based needs assessment teams. These teams will conduct an in-depth needs assessment from August 29 to September 30, 2025, focusing on key areas such as: Reorganizing faculties and departments using multi- and interdisciplinary approaches, assessing admission criteria, Determining the duration of programs within the new CBE structure (2:6:3:3:3), Adopting competency-based teaching methods, and Aligning infrastructure and human resources with CBET requirements

The university has adopted a "Faculty Model" for this transition, recognizing that faculties are best positioned to lead the review and alignment of programs since they own the courses. The implementation of the CBET roadmap will continue until 2028, ensuring all structures are in place for the admission of the first senior school graduates in 2029.