TOWARDS A COMPETENCY-BASED HIGHER EDUCATION PARADIGM: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE 2023 PRESIDENTIAL WORKING PARTY ON EDUCATION REFORM (PWPER) REPORT ON UNIVERSITY CURRICULA IN KENYA

Autors/ores

  • Jane Kere Imbunya Dr., School of Education, Kaimosi Friends University, Kenya

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46827/ejes.v13i6.6728

Paraules clau:

Presidential Working Party on Education Reform, PWPER, Kenya, university curriculum, CBET, ODeL, higher education reform, sustainable development

Resum

The Kenyan higher education sector stands at a critical juncture, necessitated by the global shift towards competency-based education and the domestic transition from the 8-4-4 system to the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). This paper critically analyzes the implications of the Report of the Presidential Working Party on Education Reform (PWPER, 2023), specifically regarding university education, training, and research. The analysis focuses on the proposed structural, pedagogical, and governance reforms, with a particular emphasis on the adoption of Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) in universities, the expansion of Open, Distance and e-Learning (ODeL), and the restructuring of research funding. Drawing on the report's recommendations and supporting literature on higher education reform, the study argues that while the PWPER report provides a robust framework for aligning university education with labor market needs and sustainable development goals, its implementation faces significant challenges related to funding, infrastructure, and academic culture. The paper concludes by offering recommendations for navigating this transformative shift.

Biografia de l'autor/a

  • Jane Kere Imbunya, Dr., School of Education, Kaimosi Friends University, Kenya
    Jane Kere Imbunya is a highly accomplished scholar, curriculum expert, university administrator, researcher and policy specialist with over twenty (20) years’ experience in higher education, curriculum studies, teacher education, quality assurance, educational leadership, research supervision and institutional management across Kenya and Botswana.

Referències

Becker, G. S. (1993). Human Capital: A Theoretical and Empirical Analysis, with Special Reference to Education (3rd ed.). University of Chicago Press. Retrieved from https://www.nber.org/books-and-chapters/human-capital-theoretical-and-empirical-analysis-special-reference-education-third-edition

Communication Authority of Kenya. (2022). Quarterly Sector Statistics Report: Fourth Quarter of the Financial Year 2021/2022. Nairobi: CAK. Retrieved from https://repository.ca.go.ke/server/api/core/bitstreams/6ac434ee-e721-473a-8539-19398221d464/content

Kezar, A. J., & Eckel, P. D. (2002). The effect of institutional culture on change strategies in higher education: Universal principles or culturally responsive concepts? The Journal of Higher Education, 73(4), 435–460. Retrieved from https://www.jstor.org/stable/1558422

Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS). (2023). Kenya Economic Survey 2023. Nairobi: Government Printer. Retrieved from https://www.knbs.or.ke/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/2023-Economic-Survey.pdf

Presidential Working Party on Education Reform (PWPER). (2023). Transforming Education, Training and Research for Sustainable Development in Kenya. Report submitted to His Excellency the President of the Republic of Kenya. Nairobi: Government Printer. Retrieved from https://www.education.go.ke/sites/default/files/2023-08/B5%20REPORT%20OF%20THE%20PRESIDENTIAL%20WORKING%20PARTY%20ON%20EDUCATION%20REFORM%207th%20JULY%202023%20.pdf

Schultz, T. W. (1961). Investment in human capital. The American Economic Review, 51(1), 1–17. Retrieved from https://www.jstor.org/stable/1818907

UNESCO. (2021). Reimagining our futures together: A new social contract for education. Report from the International Commission on the Futures of Education. Paris: UNESCO. Retrieved from https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/reimagining-our-futures-together-new-social-contract-education

Descàrregues

Publicat

2026-05-18

Número

Vol. 13 Núm. 6 (2026)

Secció

Articles

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