Matili Technical Training Institute (TTI) has officially launched a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Assessment Centre, positioning itself at the forefront of efforts to formally accredit skills acquired in the informal sector.
The launch, held at the institution’s Kimilili campus, marks a critical milestone in Kenya’s push to bridge the gap between informal skills and formal certification under the national TVET (Technical Vocational Education and Training) framework.
In an official notice dated June 2, Matili TTI extended an invitation to the Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) of Kimilili, requesting administrative support in mobilizing skilled but uncertified individuals commonly referred to as Jua Kali workers for the event.
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“Matili TTI shall be officially launched as an RPL assessment centre on 4th June, 2025,” read the letter signed by Judith Sande, Chief Principal and Secretary to the Board of Governors. The principal emphasized the need to recognize skilled individuals across all trades, particularly those who have acquired their expertise outside the formal education system.
The center will now serve as a regional hub for assessing and validating competencies in areas such as construction, automotive repair, tailoring, hairdressing, and other technical trades.
The RPL programme is part of a broader national initiative driven by the Ministry of Education to enhance the employability and professional standing of informal workers, who make up a significant portion of Kenya’s labor force.
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By converting experience into officially recognized qualifications, the initiative seeks to improve access to formal employment, entrepreneurship, and further training.
Speaking during the launch, stakeholders praised the initiative as a timely and inclusive step toward economic empowerment. “This is a bold move to bring dignity and recognition to hands-on skills that have long been undervalued in our society,” said one attendee.
Matili TTI has encouraged eligible individuals to present themselves for assessment and certification, noting that the RPL centre will operate continuously beyond the launch date
By Godfrey Wamalwa
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