Recognition of prior learning good but needs careful rollout

COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli. He is one of the top advocates for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). [Edward Kiplimo, Standard]

Kenya is finally on a trajectory of rolling out the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as alternative accreditation in the field of vocational education and training.

Instructively, RPL is a process of identification, documentation, assessment and certification of skills, knowledge and competencies acquired through previous training, work, or life experience.

Indeed, we have thousands of individuals who have gained skills informally through apprenticeship. Such abound in carpentry and joinery, motor mechanics, beauty industry, building and construction.

With opportunities in government tenders and overseas jobs, one requires certification that speaks to their qualification. Further, certification bolsters one's confidence and self-esteem, hence, encourages them to step forward and showcase their abilities.

All said, the process requires careful implementation. The quest for certification should not close our eyes to possible glitches. Today, many people hold worthless papers, some of which were obtained fraudulently.

Here, the main aim was neither education nor training but the end product: certificates. So much has gone wrong in our education system simply because some people thought that grades mattered more than the actual learning process.

Going forward, it is critical for concerned authorities to map out their resources accordingly. Undoubtedly, lack of integrity has been our bane. We must be assured that the process won't be another scheme of dishing out credits indiscriminately. It must be relatively foolproof and gradual, given the large number of individuals eligible for the credit.

Indeed, job opportunities abound in foreign countries where qualification must be demonstrated. In such cases, the certification may not just be about the hard skills one possesses.

Requirements such as the ability to communicate effectively - both in spoken and written - are critical. Germany is taking in skilled immigrants but, those with ability to speak German are most preferred. RPL requires one to undertake additional training before certification.

The point is that RPL may not be so much a game-changer as thought. Honestly, most informally trained fellows are content working in their own informal environments. Again, many Kenyans are yet to appreciate the importance of certified manpower, the latter being deemed expensive.

Even if they did, some employers may be reluctant to recognise the certification. For developed countries, RPL has done relatively well owing to their socio-cultural contexts. No one, for instance, will offer you a job - whether as an individual or organisation - without proof of qualification. But ours is a jumbled-up system teeming with quacks.

We should focus more on technical and vocational training and education (TVET) in formal settings where standard practices are uniformly shared.

Already, TVET institutions are gradually being boosted in terms of human and material resources, much more, in allocation of tuition capitation.

Yet, many still suffer low enrollment. Emphasis on RPL may be counterproductive since some individuals will still prefer informal training, knowing well that they will be certified under the RPL arrangement.

-Dr Osabwa is a lecturer at Alupe University. [email protected]