By John Kariuki
The State Department for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) has intensified efforts to implement the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program, aiming to formalize skills acquired through experience.
In a consultative meeting held at Kabete National Polytechnic, key stakeholders convened to strategize on rolling out the initiative. The meeting brought together Stanley Maindi, Director of the RPL Delivery Unit, Dr. Patrick Muchemi, Chief Principal of Kabete National Polytechnic, and Arch. Wambua Nyamai HSC, CEO of the Kenya National Federation of Juakali Associations (KNFJKA). Also present was Miss Monday Wa Kyendo, the Kabete National Polytechnic RPL Coordinator.
One of the key issues discussed was the role of KNFJKA in mobilizing workers from the informal sector to access RPL assessment and certification. The RPL framework is designed to recognize and validate skills acquired through non-formal and informal learning, enabling artisans, technicians, and other professionals to gain formal certification without undergoing traditional academic training.
Kabete National Polytechnic, accredited as a Qualifications Awarding Institution (QAI) by the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA), serves as the National Centre for RPL. It also houses the newly established RPL Delivery Unit, operating under the State Department for TVET.
The unit is tasked with providing policy direction, oversight, and an enabling environment for the implementation of RPL. Its key objectives include ensuring quality, transparency, effective coordination, and harmonization of the RPL system to align with national social and economic policies.
By strengthening the RPL framework, the government aims to empower skilled individuals, particularly those in the informal sector, by enhancing their employability and professional recognition. The initiative is expected to bridge the gap between experience-based skills and formal qualifications, fostering economic growth and social transformation.
With TVET institutions playing a critical role in implementing RPL, the State Department for TVET remains committed to ensuring that skilled Kenyans receive the recognition they deserve, enabling them to access better employment opportunities and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s development.