Initiative to help include informal workers in the formal business process to shore up their economic viability
National Industrial Training Authority has said it is ramping up the roll out of recognition of prior learning (RPL) to certify skilled workers who may have not gone through formal education to rope them into the formal economy.
The entity’s director general Stephen Ogenga says the institution was keen on removing any bureaucratic bottleneck that may have locked out artisans and other set of skilled workers from the formal economy and enable them take part in business processes to up their earnings and economic development.
RPL will open multiple doors for skilled workers and empower them, he said, adding that the push is more about recognition and empowerment, and less of certification in the formal sense of it.
“In our effort to ensure all persons in the industry are adequately skilled, the Authority is heavily involved in operationalization of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Assessment and Certification process,” he said.
“This remarkable endeavor is opening doors for countless skilled workers in both the formal and informal sectors, enabling them to step forward and receive nationally recognized certificates. It's not just about certification, it's about recognition, empowerment, and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to our nation.”
Ogenga believes that RPL is “a game-changer in addressing the pressing issue of rapid youth unemployment” and is coherent with the President William Ruto’s administration’s agenda of the Bottom-up economic model.
It recognizes and validates the lower cadre but skilled workers who are not included in formal economic processes, including taxation to generate national revenue, he said.
“By validating the skills and expertise of our workforce, we are not only improving their employability but also nurturing a sense of pride and accomplishment.”
Ogenga spoke during a conference on the future-proofing jobs in Kenya's building construction & water infrastructure on November 9 at a city hotel.
At the same time, the DG said the institute was expanding its capacity to offer industrial placement for students for attachment to enable them acquire practical skills to complement their theoretical skills that they learn in their classes.
He said this expansion drive was complementary to the RPL initiative.
“We believe in the value of real-world experience, where trainees apply their skills and adapt to industry frameworks, ensuring the efficiency and effectiveness of industrial training,” he said, adding that in that last financial year, Nita facilitated the industrial attachment of over 60,000 trainees in various industries.
This initiative serves multiple essential purposes: Application of Knowledge, Skill Development, Networking and Industry Exposure, Building Confidence, and Employability. Our commitment to industrial attachment is unwavering, and we will continue to support and facilitate this crucial aspect of skills enhancement.