Central Organisation of Trade Unions boss Francis Atwoli has expressed support for a Nairobi man arrested for allegedly masquerading as a lawyer.
In a statement on Friday, Atwoli said the man is a brilliant Kenyan who has faced condemnation for practising law because he allegedly does not have law qualifications.
He said the man's case raises critical questions about the accessibility and inclusivity of professions in the country, and if he has represented clients, his knowledge and skills in law should be put to test.
"COTU (K) firmly believes in the principle of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), which acknowledges and values the knowledge, skills, and competencies individuals have acquired through non-traditional learning pathways," Atwoli said.
He insisted that Kenya is home to a multitude of highly skilled and talented youth who have acquired their expertise through practical experience, self-study, and non-formal educational avenues but have largely remained isolated by the systems.
"These individuals, despite their outstanding abilities, often find themselves excluded from opportunities in the formal sector because the system typically prioritizes qualifications from traditional learning pathways."
Atwoli noted that he knows of many people in different professions without formal education.
"As a seasoned labour leader, I can speak authoritatively that his case is not unique," the statement said.
"I know of many great engineers, accountants, teachers, IT experts, cybersecurity experts, social workers, creatives, footballers, farmers, immigrants, plumbers, carpenters, and paramedics who are specialists in their areas of interest yet without any paper to show their qualifications."
The man was on Thursday detained by authorities on claims that he falsely presented himself as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya.
Reports indicate that the lawyer had battled 26 cases before High Court Judges, Magistrates, and Court of Appeal Judges.
He was arrested by the Law Society of Kenya Nairobi Branch Rapid Action Team (RAT).
He was apprehended when RAT received public complaints about him.
