The Nairobi National Polytechnic (TNNP) is in the process of assessing and certifying 150 candidates under the Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL) programme from the various fields within the Small and Medium Enterprises sector.
This was reveled by the institution’s Chief Principal, Dr. Glory Mutungi, who also confirmed that the Polytechnic is currently collaborating with the Federation of Jua Kali Associations in the provision of essential inputs for the Affordable Housing Programme within the Nairobi region.
She revealed that through the partnership, the Polytechnic is offering modern workspaces, equipment, and technical support to the Jua Kali sector while also creating opportunities for upskilling RPL, job creation, internships, and mentorship for young graduates and trainees to enhance their competencies and employability.
Dr. Mutungi further underscored the Polytechnic’s commitment to offering lifelong learning to the marginalized and less advantaged members of society to acquire knowledge, skills, and competencies outside the formal school system.
She noted that the government has enhanced steps to ensure that all Kenyans with skills and without certification are brought into the ecosystem of skills qualification through effective implementation of RPL.
“RPL is a method used to assess individual’s existing skills and knowledge against the requirements of a qualification or competency standard. It allows trainees to receive credit for what they already know, reducing the time and effort needed to achieve formal qualifications,” she explained.
ALSO READ:
Hope on the horizon as CS Ogamba leads talks to end university strike
Dr. Mutungi further noted that RPL is a powerful tool that allows individuals who have gained skills informally or through experience to be formally assessed and certified.
“RPL supports inclusivity, dignity of work, and the economic empowerment of skilled individuals who have long been under-recognized,” she added.
The institution head also said that the Polytechnic has already assessed 51 candidates under the RPL programme and is in the process of issuing them with certificates in the areas of Masonry, Plumbing, Welding and Fabrication, and Electrical Installation.
She confirmed that the institution has fully embraced the new modularized curriculum in its ten departments and aligned all the courses to Competency –Based Education and Training (CBET), adding that the modularized curriculum has structured training programmes which have been broken down into smaller and independent units known as modules where each trainee focuses on specific skills or competencies.
She pointed out that the new curriculum aims to equip all trainees with basic skills in their respective areas of specialization.
ALSO READ:
TSC mounts fierce defence as December ruling looms in CEO case
“The modularized curriculum is practical in nature and therefore offers trainees an opportunity to perfect a given skill because the training is skill- based. It also provides for a very clear progression from one level to the other unlike before,” she explained.
Additionally the Polytechnic’s Deputy Principal in charge of Academic Affairs, Purity Mutea said the institution is still focused on bringing more candidates onboard for the RPL assessment and certification.
She revealed that the Polytechnic is working on modalities of fully equipping the telecommunication laboratory to enable effective delivery of the curriculum.
“We intend to increase the number of income generating activities. Our ultra-modern Automotive- Mechatronics workshops are 98 per complete now. Once equipped, we will partner with the industries and the Jua Kali sector to repair and service vehicles as part of our production unit,” she explained.
By Tindi Kuchio
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
