Chief Principal of the college, Dr Charles Koech, speaking at his office in Eldoret on November 18th 2025/HANDOUTThe Eldoret National Polytechnic will host a landmark graduation on December 1, in which 300 jua kali artisans will be awarded recognition of prior learning certificates.
Chief Principal Charles Koech said this will be the first time RPL graduates receive certificates at the institution’s 20th graduation ceremony.
In collaboration with the Jua Kali Federation and the Ministry of Education, the college has identified skilled artisans who acquired expertise informally and assessed them for partial certification.
Some are yet to complete all competency units, but will have opportunities to extend their learning.
Koech emphasised the role of dual training, where learners spend half of their time in college and the other half gaining practical experience in industry.
He described the model as a game changer, equipping graduates with practical skills that enhance employability.
TENP operates ten academic departments offering courses from engineering to ICT and instructional management.
In the past year, the college has intensified efforts to sensitise youth artisans about the RPL programme being implemented across TVET institutions nationwide.
Government support has been pivotal in advancing RPL initiatives.
Koech said the college continues to collaborate with stakeholders to ensure the programme’s success.
The upcoming graduation will be notable for including RPL recipients, many of whom contribute to sectors such as affordable housing.
Over 3,000 students will be awarded during the ceremony.
TENP, whose enrolment has grown to over 18,000 students, offers a broad range of market-oriented courses and partners with key institutions to provide relevant training.
Community leaders Kipkorir Birgen and Benjamin Leting praised TENP’s work in expanding skills development opportunities for youth, highlighting improvements in facilities and the breadth of training programmes.
International organisations, including the African Development Bank, International Labour Organisation and MasterCard Foundation, have pledged support for the initiative, which aims to certify over 15 million artisans through 240 TVET institutions countrywide.
TENP has also signed agreements benefiting students in Turkana County, further extending the reach of RPL qualifications.
The polytechnic has attracted over 30 local and foreign delegations for benchmarking, recognising it as a centre of excellence in TVET training.
Koech attributed TENP’s growth and success to government and community support, underscoring the institution’s commitment to quality training and youth empowerment.
