In the process of doing this work, we found that especially in the TVET sector more than 80percent of those who were doing jobs such as masons, electricians, plumbers etc did not have academic papers.
And the few who had papers had even performed very well in school were not able to do the jobs that they had trained for. The law allowed us to develop a system of national regulations for implementing recognition of prior learning.
With support from the International Labour organization (ILO), Colleges and institutes Canada (CICAN), and others, we developed the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policies, regulations, and standards and started piloting assessment of candidates.
The system was received very well, especially by the jua kali sector, as it held alloy of potential for transforming their lives.
But there are those who did not like it. We made several attempts to get the policy launched, but this was sabotaged . There was the fear of the unknown, but there was also fear that I and the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) would take credit for introducing such an immovable and transformative idea to the educational sector.
Years later, after I had left the KNQA, the cabinet eventually approved the policy in January this year setting stage for its full rollout.
This ended the era where our artisans moved around with photo albums of their work to proof what they were capable of doing.
They deserved a certificate because they knew what they were doing. Many of them were well versed in even using very modern technologies. They repair very sophisticated cars, build high storey buildings but they have no way to proof it.
RPL is a game changer that has even opened opportunities for some to work out of the country in the middle East, Europe and other places.
RPL will be a bridge to facilitate transition from informality to formality in the Country and is a milestone in a process that commenced in the year 2020.
The decision set stage for a functional and credible system for recognition of knowledge, skills, and competencies that have been acquired through practical work but which are not supported by corresponding academic or institutional qualifications.
I wish to congratulate the KNQA on this achievement together with other stakeholders who have worked tireless to have the policy in place.
Dr. Juma Mukhwana, PS State Department for Industry and former KNQA Director General
