EFFECTIVENESS OF PARTNERSHIPS BETWEEN TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATIONAL AND TRAINING INSTITUTIONS AND REGULATORY BODIES IN CBET PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND DELIVERY IN ELDORET, UASINGISHU COUNTY, KENYA.

Abstract

The shift to Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) at the tertiary level signifies a move towards skill-oriented education, aiming to produce fully skilled individuals ready for the workforce. Various stakeholders, including Technical and Vocational Education and Training Institutions (TVETs), industry partners, regulatory bodies, Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA), and TVET-Curriculum Development Assessment and Certification Council (TVETCDACC), collaborate to develop and deliver CBET programs. Their partnership ensures that programs are tailored to meet industry needs, reducing unemployment by producing market-ready graduates. This study investigated the effectiveness of the collaboration among the several partners in the TVET subsector. Programs development and delivery entirely depend on the stakeholders and their partnerships will either make or break the entire TVET sub-sector. The research employed a mixed-methods research design, combining both qualitative and quantitative approaches. 30 trainers were randomly selected from The Eldoret National Polytechnic, Kaiboi National Polytechnic and Rift Valley Technical Training Institute. A questionnaire consisting of both structured and open-ended questions was developed for the study. The analysis of the findings highlighted the importance of stakeholder collaboration in curriculum development, emphasizing practical skills and competencies essential for success in the job market. This collaboration of the stakeholders sees that graduates are well-equipped to meet industry needs, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the education system in Kenya.