Youth undergoing training by a NITA official on September 19, 2025/HANDOUTThe National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) has launched the awareness phase of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) certification for over 40,000 youth nationwide to boost skills development and employability.
The RPL certification is part of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) project, a five-year Government of Kenya programme supported by the World Bank.
The initiative seeks to enhance employability, raise earnings, and promote savings among vulnerable youth in Kenya.
NITA Ag. Director General Theresa Wasike said the awareness phase is vital to ensure beneficiaries understand the process and requirements.
She spoke on Friday during a virtual briefing of the team rolling out the programme at the grassroots.
“The awareness creation stage is very crucial because it will help the RPL beneficiaries understand what the process is all about as they begin their journey to a brighter future,” Wasike said.
By September 19, 2025, NITA had conducted awareness activities in 20 counties, including Samburu, Garissa, and Trans-Nzoia, with the rest to follow.
RPL Practitioner Solomon Eyanae, who facilitated a forum on Friday at Maralal Vocational Training Centre in Samburu, said the awareness phase will lead to screening and the portfolio-of-evidence stage.
At this point, NITA experts will help youth identify their skills and compile proof such as photos, work samples, testimonials, or videos.
Beneficiaries will then face a summative assessment, which may include practical, written, or oral tests, to confirm competencies.
Successful candidates will receive a nationally recognised NITA certificate for their proven skills.
Alongside RPL certification, NITA will assess and certify youth with technical skills gained through internships and oversee training quality to match industry standards.
Project Coordinator Joseph Kinuthia said NITA will also upskill up to 4,000 Master Craftsmen to improve their teaching abilities and training outcomes.
Additionally, the Authority will support the development of apprenticeship standards in the digital, blue, green, grey, and creative economy sectors.
