Government Defends TVET Reforms, Says Modular Training Has Not Raised Costs as Enrolment Surges.

Government Defends TVET Reforms, Says Modular Training Has Not Raised Costs as Enrolment Surges.

Principal Secretary for TVET, Dr. Esther Muoria, addressing the media at Jogoo House.

By Jeff Oyugi 

Nairobi - February 5, 2026

The government has moved to reassure learners, parents, and training institutions that recent reforms in the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector have not led to increased costs, insisting that the changes are designed to make skills training more accessible, flexible, and responsive to Kenya’s labour market needs.

Speaking during a press briefing in Nairobi, TVET Principal Secretary Dr. Esther Muoria reaffirmed the State’s commitment to the ongoing transformation of the sector, particularly the introduction of programme modularisation under the Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) framework. She said the reforms are a deliberate effort to equip young people with practical, employable skills within a shorter period of training, while keeping education affordable for ordinary Kenyan households.

“The government remains fully committed to ensuring that TVET education is accessible, affordable, and relevant,” Dr. Muoria said. “The modular system has not increased the cost of training in public institutions, and any claims suggesting otherwise are misleading.”

At the centre of the public debate has been concern that modularisation where courses are broken down into smaller, standalone training units has driven up tuition fees. Dr. Muoria dismissed these assertions, clarifying that fees under the new system are capped at Sh35,000 per module in public TVET institutions. She noted that this cap is intended to protect learners from exploitation while allowing institutions to deliver high-quality, hands-on training.

The clarification comes at a critical time for the education sector. More than 700,000 candidates who sat the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations are expected not to qualify for direct university entry in 2025, creating pressure on alternative post-secondary pathways. TVET institutions are projected to absorb a significant share of these learners, many of whom are seeking practical skills that can lead directly to employment or self-employment.

According to the Principal Secretary, modularisation offers a flexible and inclusive pathway for such students, allowing them to enter training without the pressure of committing to long, rigid programmes. Under the new system, learners can complete individual modules in as little as three months, after which they can choose to join the workforce immediately or return later to build on their qualifications.

“This flexibility is particularly important for learners from vulnerable backgrounds,” Dr. Muoria said. “A student does not have to wait two or three years to complete a full course before seeing the benefits. They can acquire a skill, earn an income, and then come back to upskill or reskill as needed.”

The modular approach is part of a broader shift that began in September 2023, when all TVET institutions fully transitioned to CBET. Unlike the previous system, which was often criticised for being overly theoretical, CBET places emphasis on hands-on training, continuous assessment, and demonstrated competence in specific occupational skills. The curriculum is developed in close alignment with industry needs, ensuring that graduates are job-ready.

Education experts have long argued that a mismatch between training and labour market demands has contributed to high youth unemployment, even among those with post-secondary qualifications. By focusing on competencies rather than time spent in class, the government believes CBET can help close this gap.

Dr. Muoria also addressed concerns raised by some stakeholders regarding alleged delays in government capitation and claims that institutions have been forced to transfer additional costs to students. She maintained that government support to TVET institutions remains intact and that there has been no policy decision to reduce funding.

“There has been no withdrawal of capitation, and institutions are not expected to pass extra financial burdens to learners,” she said, adding that the ministry continues to work closely with school administrators to resolve operational challenges as the reforms are implemented.

Another contentious issue has been allegations that some TVET principals were intimidated or coerced into implementing modularisation without adequate consultation. The Principal Secretary rejected these claims, stating that the ministry undertook extensive stakeholder engagement before rolling out the reforms.

“We consulted widely with institutional heads, trainers, industry players and other stakeholders,” she said. “The records and minutes of these engagements are available, and they clearly show that this was a consultative and inclusive process.”

The ministry’s firm stance comes amid growing enrolment in TVET institutions, which Dr. Muoria cited as evidence of rising public confidence in the sector. Student numbers have increased dramatically from about 300,000 at the beginning of the current administration to approximately 850,000 learners nationwide.

This surge, she said, reflects a changing perception of vocational and technical training, which has historically been viewed as a last resort for students who did not excel academically. Increased government investment, improved facilities and a stronger emphasis on employability have helped reposition TVET as a viable and attractive pathway.

Analysts note that the expansion of the TVET sector is closely linked to the government’s broader economic agenda, which prioritises job creation, industrialisation, and youth empowerment. With Kenya’s youthful population continuing to grow, the pressure to create meaningful employment opportunities has intensified.

Dr. Muoria reiterated that the TVET reforms are irreversible and central to the government’s long-term strategy of building a skilled workforce capable of driving economic transformation. She urged parents, learners, and educators to embrace the changes, saying the success of the reforms depends on collective support.

“TVET is no longer a second option, it is a powerful engine for skills development and economic growth,” she said. “These reforms are about giving our young people dignity, opportunity and the tools they need to succeed in a competitive world.”

As thousands of KCSE graduates weigh their options in the coming months, the government’s message is clear, technical and vocational training is not only affordable but also strategically positioned to meet the demands of a changing economy. Whether the assurances will fully allay public concerns remains to be seen, but the administration has signalled that it is determined to stay the course on TVET reform.