Unschooled, skilled workers get public service jobs

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has announced plans to formally recognise and absorb skilled workers who have gained expertise through practical experience rather than formal education.

Ogamba said some of such workers are already engaged in the affordable housing project.

The workers are trained under the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) launched in March, which requires them to present themselves before a polytechnic for assessment and certification.

The candidates receive a certificate or diploma depending on their level of expertise.

“We have devised strategies to integrate RPL in government projects such as the Affordable Housing Programme (AHP) and many other sectors like plumbing, electrical jobs, mechanical engineering,” the CS said as he addressed the third African Continental Qualification Framework forum in Nairobi Wednesday.

Ogamba, however, emphasised the need to streamline rules of engagement in the RPL programme.

“We need, for example, to have definitive rules for RPL practitioners. The RPL practice and process across our countries should have essential elements that enhance uniformity,” he said.

Kenya National Qualification Authority Director General Alice Kande lauded the private sector for embracing the policy.

“There has been positive response, especially from the private sector, in uptake of RPL and the training of the informal staff,” Dr Kande said.

She said the policy will recognise knowledge, skills, and competencies that have been acquired through practical work over time.

This means, successful skilled workers will now get certificates, diplomas or even degrees depending on the level of expertise they will portray.

Some 22 African countries have been meeting to discuss  qualification frameworks regulating individual countries.

This year’s meeting will dwell on the recognition of prior learning policy which will provide an opportunity to individuals who have not gone through formal education but have managed to gain skills through work experience to get qualifications.

The policy was approved by President William Ruto’s Cabinet in January and will see hundreds of Kenyans awarded certificates based on their practical skills.

Kande said the policy and guidelines will provide standards of assessing and certifying the skills acquired through experience.