- NITA has proposed the Industrial Training Bill, 2026, introducing mandatory pre-departure training and stronger skills verification for Kenyans seeking jobs abroad.
- The Authority has engaged the National Assembly’s Diaspora Affairs and Migrant Workers Committee to discuss the Bill’s provisions on migrant worker preparation.
- The proposed law includes Recognition of Prior Learning and tighter safeguards in skills assessment, certification and appeal mechanisms for workers.
The proposed Industrial Training Bill, 2026, could introduce mandatory pre-departure training and stronger skills verification for Kenyans seeking employment abroad, under reforms being considered by the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA).
The proposals emerged on Thursday, September 24, 2026, when the Diaspora Affairs and Migrant Workers Committee of the National Assembly engaged NITA on the proposed legislation.
The meeting was led by the Committee chairperson, who is the Taita Taveta County MP, while NITA Managing Director Dr Rukia Atikiya led the Authority’s delegation.
NITA told the committee that the Bill seeks to replace the Industrial Training Act, 1959, which has undergone numerous amendments, with a comprehensive legal framework governing industrial training, skills development, assessment, certification, quality assurance and administration of the training levy.
A key focus of the discussions was the proposed framework for preparing migrant workers before they leave the country. Under the Bill, pre-departure programmes would equip workers with job-specific skills, information on workers’ rights, laws and working conditions in destination countries, workplace safety, financial literacy and psychosocial preparedness. The training would be offered by NITA or registered and accredited providers, with workers who successfully complete the programmes receiving certificates and being entered into a national register.
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NITA would also coordinate skills verification for labour migration in collaboration with relevant government agencies, a move intended to strengthen the recognition of workers’ qualifications before they take up employment abroad.
The proposed law further provides for Recognition of Prior Learning, allowing experienced workers to have skills acquired through employment assessed and certified without undergoing training in areas where they are already competent.
The Bill also proposes tighter safeguards in skills assessment and certification through published standards, accredited assessment centres, independent verification and digital records. Workers would also have avenues to appeal assessment decisions under the proposed framework.
NITA said the engagement was part of consultations ahead of consideration of the Bill by its Board and subsequent submission through the relevant government processes. The Authority also sought the committee’s views on the proposed policy direction, particularly provisions governing migrant workers, pre-departure training programmes and related fees.
By Mosoti Mogambi
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