CBTE Needs a Public Evidence Register

A prospective learner finds a Bible-college website carrying an accreditation logo, a national-level number, a promise of recognised prior learning and photographs of graduates in ministry. The programme may be excellent. Yet the learner cannot tell which body has approved what, whether the qualification is nationally registered, how competence is assessed, who mentors the learner or what happens if the programme closes.

This is not only a communications problem. It is a public-trust problem.

Competency-Based Theological Education (CBTE) links progression to demonstrated learning in theological understanding, formation and practice. This article focuses on Bible colleges and church-based ministerial formation. The approach also operates in higher education, including degree programmes; it should not be treated as identical to Kenya’s general occupational Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET). See ICETE’s CBTE standards.

If CBTE makes stronger claims about demonstrated competence, it should also make stronger evidence available. Kenya needs a public evidence register through which a learner, church, employer, regulator or partner can trace an award from the provider's authority to the evidence supporting it—and see clearly what the award does not authorise.

The Kenya National Qualifications Authority currently describes its National Qualifications Database as the official central digital repository for qualifications. Its public service pages distinguish registration of qualification-awarding bodies, registration of qualifications and learner records. The database also includes micro-credentials, part-qualifications and short courses within the…