Financial Preparedness for the Implementation of CBET Curriculum in Public Technical Institutions in Mt. Kenya East Region, Kenya

Abstract

The implementation of Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) in public Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions is vital for aligning curricula with industry-required skills. Despite government funding, there is no structured financial support for execution of CBET. This study evaluated the adequacy of funding and infrastructure in preparation for CBET curriculum implementation. An exploratory research design grounded on mixed-method approach was espoused. The study targeted a population of 70,591 respondents, including 21 principals, 21 Board of Governors chairpersons, 1,263 trainers, and 69,158 trainees, drawn from Technical and Vocational Colleges, Technical Training Institutes, and National Polytechnics. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 19 principals, 19 Board of Governors chairpersons, and 19 class representatives, while proportionate sampling was employed in selecting 154 trainers from 19 TVET institutions with functional Building and Civil Engineering departments. Data were collected via questionnaires, interviews, and document analysis. Validity of the research instruments was ascertained for reliability. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively (mean, standard deviation) and inferentially (correlation), while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. Data was presented in tables and themes, and findings revealed inadequate CBET funding. The study concluded that inadequate funding of CBET significantly affects its implementation. The study recommends that the Ministry of Education establishes timely capitation disbursement mechanisms to address budgetary shortfalls, and set standardized minimum funding benchmarks for successful CBET implementation.