Two and a half years into his presidency, President William Ruto’s government has made tremendous progress in improving education standards in the country.
President Ruto promised to expand school feeding programs to improve nutrition and retention rates in schools. As a result, the move has boosted school enrolment, attendance, and transition rates. It has also improved child nutrition, health, and cognitive development. According to a scorecard released by the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff in the President’s office, the undertakings have reduced financial burdens on families.
For instance, the School Feeding Program has achieved a 15% increase in the number of learners benefiting from the program, rising from 2,257,963 in 2022 to 2,600,000 in 2025.
The president also promised to implement Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) in TVET institutions. This has led to improved TVET trainer-student ratios, resulting in strengthened hands-on skills training through the CBET Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) and TVET Expansion.
According to the report, the number of TVET trainers increased from 6,051 to 9,779, with 1,300 trainers recruited in 2023 and 2,000 in 2024. Additionally, 6,840 trainers were trained on CBET delivery, and 450 CBET curricula were developed to align with industry needs.
President Ruto’s administration also promised to increase enrolment in TVET programs, which has led to expanded access to technical and vocational training, strengthening Kenya’s skilled labor force. It has also reduced youth unemployment and promoted self-employment through the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) and TVET Expansion.
The total TVET enrolment increased by 42%, from 340,713 in 2022 to 484,313 in 2025. The government also promised to strengthen partnerships between TVET institutions and industries to enhance practical training.
This, according to the report, has led to increased hands-on, on-job training and job readiness, in addition to reducing the gap between theoretical knowledge and industry requirements, making graduates more employable. The report further reveals that the main purpose was to create more job opportunities for TVET graduates and align TVET training with real-world industry needs based on the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) & TVET Expansion.
The report further states that the TVET dual training program expanded from 65 to 3,746 organizations, strengthening government-private sector collaborations and enhancing student training.
The government also promised to establish the Open University of Kenya to increase access to higher education, which has led to expanded access to higher education, providing affordable, flexible learning pathways in addition to introducing bespoke market-driven academic programs.
The report says this has led to enhanced inclusivity in education, benefiting women and remote learners. From the outset, it has resulted in 2,000 students enrolling in the Open University of Kenya with eight new academic programs developed.
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The government, according to the report, promised to establish a National Skills and Funding Council to manage university, TVET, and HELB funding. It says this has led to expanded access to scholarships and loans for university and TVET students, increased retention rates, and reduced dropout rates due to financial difficulties.
The report further says that it has strengthened Kenya’s skilled workforce for economic growth, promoted inclusivity, and reduced educational inequality.
Through the new university funding model, the report says 113,140 students received scholarships worth KSh 12.74 billion in disbursements, with another 112,741 students receiving loans worth KSh 12.63 billion.
According to the report, some 52,452 students received scholarships worth KSh 1.95 billion in disbursements, while another 151,933 students received loans worth KSh 5.59 billion.
By Fredrick Odiero.
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