Labour CS Alfred Mutua pushes for competency-based learning in adult education

The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection is intensifying efforts to improve adult education by overhauling the curriculum, expanding staffing, and upgrading infrastructure across adult learning centres nationwide.

This move aims to equip adult learners with relevant skills and knowledge aligned to the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system and improve the overall quality of adult education.

Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua on Wednesday revealed that the ministry is fully committed to transforming adult education into a powerful tool for national development.

Mutua acknowledged the challenges facing the sector, including outdated curricula, insufficient instructors, limited funding, and a lack of current data, noting that the last national adult literacy survey was conducted nearly two decades ago, in 2006.

“Today, I held a consultative meeting with officials from the Directorate of Adult Learning and Education, which now falls under the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection following its recent transition from the Ministry of Education,” Mutua said.

“As a Ministry, we are fully committed to revitalising adult learning as a transformative force in our society. This is part of our broader agenda to build a fair and empowered nation where every Kenyan, regardless of age, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive with dignity,” he added.

Currently, more than 124,000 adult learners are enrolled in various education centres around the country, many of whom missed out on formal schooling in their youth.

The ministry’s reforms include increasing the number of instructors and education officers, as well as improving facilities through enhanced budget allocations.

Complementing these reforms, the National Assembly’s Education Committee has shown strong support for the Basic Education (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which seeks to provide legal recognition and regulation of Alternative Provision for Basic Education and Training (APBET) institutions.

These institutions serve learners outside formal schools, including adult learners, those in informal settlements, remote communities, night schools, home schools, and vocational centres.

Mathare Member of Parliament Anthony Oluoch, the Bill’s sponsor, explained the legislation’s intent: “The purpose for which this Bill was made was, first, to anchor an already existing policy, the Policy Framework for Alternative Provisions for Basic Education and Training.”

He further stressed that the bill will ensure government mapping, registration, curriculum guidelines, and resource allocation for these alternative institutions.

The MP emphasised that recognising and supporting alternative education providers is critical for inclusive learning opportunities, especially for populations historically excluded from formal education.

He highlighted the need to address persistent challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, poor funding, lack of trained teachers, and societal stigma.

If enacted, the Bill will strengthen government oversight of non-formal and adult education centres, improve quality assurance, and expand access for learners in underserved areas.

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• Education
• Alfred Mutua
• adult education
• Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC)
• Competency-Based Assessment
• competency-based education
• Competency-Based Learning
• Adult education curriculum
• Labour CS Alfred Mutua pushes for competency-based learning in adult education
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The joint efforts of the Labour Ministry and Parliament represent a coordinated push to modernise adult education and provide a solid foundation for all forms of alternative basic education.

These reforms aim to empower adults and other learners with the skills needed to improve their livelihoods and contribute to Kenya’s development.