Kenya National Qualifications Authority now wants Helb to fund students undertaking the Recognition to Prior Learning programme.
KNQA acting Director General Alice Kande told journalists that the programme has proved a bit costly because most students are from refugee camps and informal settlements, while others depend on menial jobs.
"We are yet to consult with Helb but on the lower side it would cost Sh38,000 approximately because a student is not assessed by one person," Kande said.
The cost of RPL is based on the needs of the candidate and the number of units of competency for which they are seeking recognition.
The fees chargeable will ensure the sustainability of the RPL process and shall cover charges for all stakeholders involved.
For instance, if a candidate has skills and experience in carpentry, then they will be assessed on how well they can provide the service.
Kande added that the authority has conducted two pilot programmes — in 2021 and 2022.
"The first pilot programme had 40 individuals and the second one around 400," she said.
She said the authority is likely to launch the programme officially in May if all goes well.
RPL seeks to certify the skilled workers who, although they did not undergo structured schooling, have abilities for the job market.
"Currently we are dealing with institutions offering lower qualifications that are below a diploma," she said.
This week the authority will receive a comprehensive report from the National Implementation committee.
The report will guide the official launch of the program which will see more than 400 students graduate.
The four main areas being tested currently are welding, mechanics, hairdressing and tailoring.
In a recent development, the authority sought Kenyan certificates (including RPL) to be accepted across the board.
There are ongoing talks between Kenya and seven other countries which form the Inter-governmental Authority on Development — Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, and Uganda.
