Ministry develops 400 programmes for recognition of prior learning

Henry Kivuva, a student at Machakos Teachers Training College, takes Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba through a session during the launch of Scaling Digital Skills at the institution on October 24, 2024. [ John Muia, Standard]

Skilled Jua Kali artisans without formal education now have over 400 programmes to choose from while seeking to formalise their skills through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba said the development of the programmes forms part of the implementation strategies of Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) with RPL playing a pivotal role.

Ogamba announced that the Ministry has equipped the trainers and assessors of the curricula under Technical and Vocational Education and Training Curriculum Development, Assessment and Certification Council (TVET CDACC).

"Through partnerships with international organizations, we have conducted extensive capacity-building programmes that ensure our trainers understand and apply CBET methodology. Our trainers are now adequately prepared to deliver competency-based training effectively,” he said.

“Quality is at the core of our education reform. Therefore, we have invested heavily in the training of our TVET trainers and assessors," he added.

The CS spoke on Tuesday during the release of the July/August 2024  CBET assessment series at Kenya school of TVET in Nairobi.

Ogamba noted that RPL initiative has enabled many skilled Kenyans, particularly those whose skills were acquired outside formal education, to receive  certification that reflects their competencies.

RPL policy was officially launched in March this year, months after the first cohort graduated in October, 2023.

Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) is mandated to oversee implementation of the framework that CS Ogamba said has been "responsive to industry needs" for self-reliance and economic sustainability.

According to the CS, the policy has been key in implementing the Kenya Kwanza administration's Affordable Housing Programme (AHP), aligning with its Bottom-Up  Economic Transformation Agenda.

With its success, the government projects RPL will increase the supply of housing units from the current 2 per cent to 50 per cent, translating to 250,000 for next five years from the current 50,000 units per year.

Other sectors the programme has been designed to promote include Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Manufacturing.

He announced government's commitment to increase allocation to ensure smooth implementation of the education policy.

"Quality education requires resources, and we have prioritised funding for TVET to support infrastructure development, provide modern equipment, and enable the training of our educators," he stated.

“When industry actively participates in TVET through internships, apprenticeships, and curriculum input, our graduates gain the skills and experiences that make them valuable contributors. These partnerships are instrumental in bridging the gap between education and employment, and they are a testament to our joint  commitment to a skilled Kenya,” added Ogamba.