Mathenge Technical Training Institute (TTI) on Friday etched its name into the annals of Kenya’s education history as it hosted the country’s first stand-alone Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) graduation ceremony.
The event, held on the institution’s grounds, celebrated 61 skilled individuals whose knowledge, expertise, and hands-on experience were formally certified under the national RPL framework.
The colourful ceremony brought together top government officials, industry partners, trainers, assessors, staff, and proud families who witnessed what many described as a transformative step toward a more inclusive and skills-driven economy.
Speaking during the event, Catherine King’ori, Principal of Mathenge TTI celebrated the moment as a national milestone.
She noted that the historic graduation aligned closely with Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the government’s commitment to strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a catalyst for industrialization and job creation.
“Today, we celebrate not just individual achievement, but a national shift towards recognizing skills gained through experience, innovation, and self-learning,” she said.
“Our graduates have shown competence and resilience, and now gain formal recognition that opens doors not just locally but also internationally.”
The institute’s pioneering effort was widely lauded for demonstrating leadership in skills recognition and for highlighting the importance of lifelong learning in a rapidly evolving labour market.
In remarks delivered on behalf of the Principal Secretary for TVETs, Esther Mworia by Stanley Maindi, Director of RPL, praised Mathenge TTI for becoming the first TTI in Kenya to host a dedicated RPL graduation ceremony.
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“This is a clear demonstration of leadership and commitment to recognising skills, empowering communities, and advancing the TVET and skills agenda,” Maindi stated.
He congratulated the 61 graduates for boldly validating their skills, adding that their experience was invaluable and deserved national recognition.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding Kenya’s RPL ecosystem, citing major initiatives including the establishment of an RPL Delivery Unit, expansion of assessment centres, upskilling of TVET trainers, and targeted efforts to certify artisans and displaced groups.
The State Department, he noted, was also scaling up flexible pathways such as micro-credentials and modularised programmes to accommodate diverse learners.
Maindi urged the institution to continue strengthening partnerships with industry players, the Jua Kali sector, and community stakeholders to ensure that training remains relevant, practical, and impactful.
Albert Gakuru, Regional Lead for Central Region in the State Department for Housing and Urban Development described the event as a “powerful, formal declaration” that practical experience holds equal value to academic learning in building a prosperous and equitable nation.
“In recognizing these graduates, we affirm the commitment of the government to acknowledge and empower every segment of our skilled workforce,” he said. “The Affordable Housing Programme is not just about constructing houses; it is a job creation engine placing certified artisans at the center of national development.”
Gakuru paid special tribute to artisans from the Ruring’u Affordable Housing Project many of whom were among the graduates. Their skills, he noted, had contributed directly to turning government housing plans into tangible, quality-assured structures. Through RPL, he added, these artisans now possess formal credentials that elevate their professional standing and unlock new economic opportunities.
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He urged graduates to uphold the highest standards of craftsmanship, mentor the next generation of artisans, and use their certification as a launching pad to expand their enterprises and pursue further specialization.
“The certificate you hold is not an endpoint, but a starting line,” he said. “You are now certified professionals, and the country places its trust in your hands.”
The event drew warm applause from board chair Dr.Peterson Hinga trainers, assessors, staff, and members of the public, all of whom acknowledged the graduates’ determination and the institution’s leadership in championing skills recognition.
For the 61 RPL graduands, the day represented both validation and possibility. Many had gained their skills through years of work in construction, craftsmanship, innovation, and informal sector engagements.
Through RPL, these abilities were formally assessed and certified, unlocking opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship, and career advancement.
“You’ve shown that learning doesn’t only happen in classrooms it happens on the job, in the field, and through life itself,” read a congratulatory message from the institution. “You are the pioneers, and today your journey is officially honoured and celebrated.”
With the success of this first RPL graduation, the institute hopes to inspire other TTIs across the country to adopt similar initiatives, strengthening Kenya’s transition toward a skills-first economy.
Rodgers Wagura
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