The Ministry of Mining plans to train and certify artisanal miners through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programme, aiming to formalize their skills and enhance the industry’s growth.
Mining Principal Secretary (PS) Elijah Mwangi said that the ministry plans to engage in discussions and partner with the Jua Kali sector and other stakeholders to ensure that artisanal miners obtain the necessary certification.
The PS said that the country has over one million artisanal miners who have acquired extensive, productive skills but lack formal certification.
He said that the miners possess valuable expertise, particularly in mineral identification, which, if properly harnessed, could significantly improve mining and contribute to the national economy.
“We have numerous artisanal miners who, in terms of mineral knowledge, surpass even trained geologists. They can accurately identify areas and types of mineral deposits just by observation,” he said.
Mwangi said that the government, through the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) and the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) has adopted and formalized RPL as a vital initiative to support skills gained in the informal sector.
He said that the programme is an inclusive system designed to acknowledge, encourage, and reward the skills and experiences of individuals, particularly those acquired outside formal education systems.
“Apart from promoting equity, this model provides formal recognition and acknowledgement of practical skills and experiences as legitimate qualifications, making individuals eligible for absorption into the formal job market,” he said.
Mwangi made the remarks during the graduation ceremony of 120 participants in Base Titanium’s 2024 RPL program, held at the company’s main mine site in Msambweni, Kwale County.
This marks the second cohort to graduate from the program, following the first group of 64 who graduated in 2022.
The workers gained valuable experience through years of employment at Base Titanium and were trained in various hands-on skills, including safety procedures, emergency response, shipping, rubber lining, masonry, motor vehicle maintenance, welding, and more.
Mwangi urged the workers to make the most of the certificates and skills they acquired, using them to create self-employment opportunities and improve their lives, even after the eventual closure of the mine in December this year.
Mwangi told the graduates to seize the opportunity to make up for lost time and pursue higher qualifications for better prospects.
“I challenge the graduates to embrace entrepreneurship instead of waiting for employment opportunities, and to continue with their education to build successful careers,” he said.
He commended Base Titanium for leading the way in championing RPL, recognizing the company’s commitment to supporting the development of its workers.
The PS praised Base Titanium for becoming a more reliable partner in developing a pool of well-rounded professionals and technical workers.
Mwangi said that with the growing demand for professionals and industrialization, the hands-on skills certification aims to address some of the challenges posed by the dynamic job market.
NITA Chair Aden Noor Ali stated that the Authority is committed to strengthening collaboration with key industry players to improve industrial training throughout Kenya.
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Ali said that the partnerships are crucial for fostering long-term relationships and driving national economic growth.
He said NITA’s mission to enhance industrial training aligns seamlessly with the objectives of RPL.
Base Titanium Operations Manager Denham Vickers said that the company adopted the RPL policy to recognize the practical skills gained through years of dedicated service.
He said that Base Titanium is committed to creating pathways for career advancement and enhancing employability for its workers.
“As we move towards the closure of the mine in December, we will recognize the value we have created beyond operations,” he said.
Vickers said that the company is eager to contribute to Kenya’s broader economic and industrial landscape.
He added that the skills of the graduates, now formally recognized, will open doors to investment opportunities across Kenya and beyond.
By Shaban Omar
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