Scholars have been urged to align their education with the realities of a rapidly changing economy.
Mumbua Mbaluka, head of Institutional Advancement at National Intelligence and Research University (NIRU), said that education must be matched with practical skills, innovation, and an entrepreneurial mindset.
“The future of work is evolving. Today’s scholars must prepare not only to be job seekers but job creators. Skills, creativity, and problem-solving are now as valuable as academic certificates,’’ Mbaluka said.
“Do well in school, yes, but also gain skills, remain disciplined, and prepare yourselves to serve, lead, and create solutions for your communities and the nation.”
Mbaluka notes that both locally and globally, a growing number of graduates are not absorbed into traditional white-collar employment, underscoring the importance of adaptability, and problem-solving, and skills-based learning.
Her comment is coming at a time when Kenya is slowly transitioning to Competency Based Curriculum, an ambitious system, touching every aspect of schooling from classroom practice to school structure.
It replaces the 40-year-old 8-4-4 system that largely focused on theory.
Implementation of CBC began in phases, starting with lower grades around 2018–201,9, with the first set of Grade 10 or Senior High School enrolling this year.
She said this during the handover of 360 secondary school scholarships valued at Sh22 million by the philanthropic arm of financial service firm, Enwealth.
The Enwealth Fanisi Scholarship programme targets academically promising students from vulnerable backgrounds, supporting access to quality education while building character, leadership, and practical life skills.
Held under the theme “Empowering the Future Through Education” and the tagline “Building Minds, Character, and Purpose for a Better Tomorrow, the foundation reaffirmed its long-term commitment to education as a catalyst for transformation.
“We are proud to support 360 bright young minds this year. These scholarships represent more than financial assistance. They are a gateway to opportunity, character development, and a purposeful future,’’ executive director of Enwealth Foundation, John Kennedy Monyoncho said.
Since its establishment in 2011, Enwealth Foundation Limited has supported over 500 students, investing more than Sh80 million in educational scholarships, mentorship, and holistic development programmes.
It aims to empower young Kenyans through access to quality education and transformative opportunities that build character, skills, and purpose, preparing beneficiaries to thrive in a dynamic and competitive world.
by VICTOR AMADALA
