Sigalagala Poly sets pace in RPL training with 115 practitioners certified

Sigalagala National Polytechnic gate/photo courtesy

Sigalagala National Polytechnic in Kakamega County has stamped its authority as a pioneer in the country’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) initiative, after training 115 practitioners under the program.

The milestone makes it the first institution in Kenya’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector to formally adopt and implement RPL.

Deputy Principal and RPL Master Trainer Anne Mutsami hailed the achievement as a turning point for the institution and for the broader skills development agenda. “We are not just adopting RPL; we are setting the pace for others to follow. This is about recognizing skills, no matter where or how they were acquired,” she said during the announcement.

The RPL framework allows individuals who have acquired skills through informal, non-formal or on-the-job training to have them assessed and certified. It is seen as a critical tool in bridging the gap between untapped workforce competencies and formal qualifications.

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At Sigalagala, the effort is being anchored by a dedicated team led by RPL Coordinator Aggrey Chanzu and ICT Manager Faith Khasoha. The two reaffirmed the polytechnic’s readiness to integrate the Recognition of Prior Learning Management Information System (RPLMIS), a digital platform that will streamline assessments, record-keeping and reporting. According to them, the system will not only ease implementation but also provide a model for other TVET institutions preparing to roll out similar programs.

Experts say the success of the first 115 practitioners is a sign that the program could play a transformative role in Kenya’s education and training landscape. By creating pathways for recognition, workers with years of experience but no formal certification can now compete fairly in the job market, pursue further training or even start enterprises with the backing of recognized qualifications.

For Sigalagala, the early adoption underscores its reputation as a trendsetter. The institution has long been known for its innovative approaches to technical education, and its leadership in RPL places it at the forefront of efforts to align Kenya’s workforce with both national development goals and international labor standards.

With the foundation now laid, Sigalagala’s example is expected to inspire other TVET institutions to embrace RPL and expand opportunities for learners and workers across the country.

By Godfrey Wamalwa

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