Forum on recognition of prior learning (RPL) for Solar Skills was held in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital.
The event brought together more than 50 stakeholders in the education and energy sectors.
The half day conference was organized by Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) in collaboration with the International Labour
Organization (ILO), National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), Habitat for Humanity (HFH), and the Toolkit
iSkills (TTI) under the theme: “Unlocking Job Opportunities for Youth in Solar Energy Kenya”.
Recognition of prior learning (RPL) means a person gets their skills
recognized, assessed and certified. In the case of solar energy, RPL enables the youth engaging in solar work to get licensed and comply with the law which requires all solar installers to be certified and licensed. As such, solar companies can only give job opportunities to solar technicians who are certified.
Dr Alice Kande (Ag. Director General- KNQA), Caroline Njuki (Officer in Charge & Chief Technical Advisor – ILO), Jane Muigai-Kamphuis (Director/Founder – Toolkit iSkills) and other key
stakeholders attended the event.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) has spearheaded the roll out of Kenya’s RPL Policy and key successes include assessment of youth in construction trades and more recently, assessment of solar skills.
During the event the stakeholders proposed the inclusion of the Solar Energy Sector in the Recognition of Prior Learning Process.