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The govt has accredited the Rift Valley Institute of Business Studies (RVIBS) as an RPL assessment centre during a ceremony in Nakuru.
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The move comes as the government heighten efforts to scale up implementation of RPL programme as part of efforts to integrate millions of informally acquired skills into Kenya’s formal education and labour systems.
The government is scaling up implementation of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programme as part of efforts to integrate millions of informally acquired skills into Kenya’s formal education and labour systems.
The latest milestone saw the Rift Valley Institute of Business Studies (RVIBS) accredited as an RPL assessment centre during a ceremony in Nakuru.
RPL Delivery Unit Director Stanley Maindi said the programme addresses one of Kenya’s biggest labour market challenges by formally validating competencies gained through apprenticeships, workplace experience, self-learning and informal training.
“Kenya’s workforce has demonstrated enormous potential through apprenticeship, the Jua Kali sector and TVET institutions, but these informally acquired skills often go unrecognized, limiting their contribution to the labour market and national development,” Maindi said.
He noted that Kenya Vision 2030 identifies a skilled workforce as a key pillar of economic transformation, yet many competent workers remain excluded because they lack formal qualifications.
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“This exclusion perpetuates socio-economic inequalities and to some extent criminalizes poverty,” he said.
The RPL programme supports the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals Four on quality education and Eight on decent work and economic growth by expanding access to nationally recognized qualifications.
Under the programme, workers undergo practical and oral assessments conducted through accredited institutions, after which successful candidates receive qualifications recorded under the Kenya National Qualifications Framework.
RVIBS Director John Gitau said the initiative reduces both the cost and duration of certification while creating new pathways into higher education and employment.
“RPL offers a solution by enabling individuals to gain formal certifications for skills acquired through non-formal means, levelling the playing field for those who have become competent through years of experience,” Gitau said.
Kabete National Polytechnic Deputy Principal Geoffrey Mutune called the programme a catalyst for youth employability and inclusive economic growth.
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“Through collaborative efforts and sustained investments in RPL, the nation can build a skilled workforce ready to drive innovation, economic growth and social equity,” Mutune said.
He urged stakeholders to strengthen awareness campaigns, improve assessment quality and expand access to ensure more Kenyans benefit from the initiative.
Nakuru County Tourism and Marketing Board member Joseph Koech said RPL was also strengthening competitiveness within Kenya’s tourism industry.
“By validating skills gained outside formal education, we are acknowledging that knowledge and ability are the true measures of a person’s potential,” Koech said.
He said formal recognition of experienced hospitality workers would improve service standards while enhancing employment opportunities in one of Kenya’s leading economic sectors.
By Kimutai Langat
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