Nairobi

By David Njaaga | Nov. 04, 2024

Academics are reshaping university education, as institutions race to equip graduates with skills to thrive in a rapidly changing job market. Faced with dwindling enrolments and a workforce increasingly prioritising ethical and practical training, universities are overhauling traditional curricula to meet modern demands.

St. Paul’s University Vice Chancellor Prof. James Kombo said declining interest in conventional four-year degrees has prompted universities to offer programmes that address pressing challenges such as climate change. “We separated science and faith because of a secular view, but together, they can offer solutions to current issues,” Kombo said, describing the appeal of new courses like Ecotheology, which encourages sustainable resource use.

Demand has also grown for development-focused studies, with interest in programmes that address poverty reduction, economic empowerment and peacebuilding. “Programs like Christian and Muslim Relations are especially relevant as societies grapple with religious divisions,” Kombo added.

Universities are preparing to admit their first students from the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) in 2029, a transition Kombo said requires major curriculum updates and faculty retraining. “CBC is vastly different from what we’ve done before, so we must adapt to remain relevant,” he explained, noting the need for new resources and equipment to support this shift.

St. Paul’s Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Prof. Abraham Waithima pointed to the rapid advancement of technology in the workplace as another driver of curriculum reform. “To prepare graduates for today’s workplace, we’ve introduced courses in artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity and other high-demand fields,” Waithima said, adding that the goal is to ensure job-readiness without the need for extra training after graduation.

Real-world experience through exchange programs, internships and seminars has also become a focus, said Rev. Truphosa Kwaka-Sumba, acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration. “Exposure to the real world helps students connect what they learn in class to industry needs, making them more competitive in the job market,” Kwaka-Sumba observed.

Ethics is another critical factor, with employers placing increased importance on integrity and values alongside technical skills. “Employers today want to know what a candidate stands for, not just what’s on paper,” Kwaka-Sumba said, adding that universities must foster a values-driven environment to produce well-rounded graduates.

With these curriculum changes, universities aim to produce adaptable, ethically grounded graduates ready for a fast-paced, tech-oriented job market.