Eldoret National Polytechnic Launches Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Center to Empower Skilled Kenyans Without Papers

By Wasike Elvis

In a milestone event for Kenya’s education and economic development sectors, the State Department for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) officially launched a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Center at Eldoret National Polytechnic. This initiative is part of a national strategy to recognize, assess, and certify millions of Kenyans with valuable hands-on skills but no formal academic qualifications.

Representing the Principal Secretary, Dr. Esther Muoria, Mr. Stanley Maindi, the Director of the RPL Delivery Unit, presided over the launch. He emphasized the significance of the program in addressing one of Kenya’s longstanding challenges: the mismatch between practical skills and academic certification.

“Today marks a historic moment not just for Eldoret, but for the whole country,” Mr. Maindi said. “We are launching a system that gives dignity, recognition, and opportunity to Kenyans who have contributed immensely to the economy but have been left behind due to lack of formal papers.”

Bridging the Skills-Certification Gap

The RPL program is designed to identify individuals in the informal sector—commonly found in the Jua Kali industry, construction sites, personal businesses, and community trades—who have acquired skills through experience but lack the academic credentials to match.

Once identified, these individuals undergo a structured assessment conducted by qualified practitioners. If they meet the required standards, they are awarded a certificate equivalent to one issued through the formal education system. This certificate is officially recognized by the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) and is recorded in the national qualifications database.

“These certificates are not honorary or symbolic,” Mr. Maindi stressed. “They carry the same weight as those issued through years of formal education. The only difference is the path taken to acquire the knowledge.”

A Flexible and Inclusive Assessment Approach

One of the hallmarks of the RPL program is its flexibility. Assessments can be conducted at various locations—including TVET institutions, workplaces, or even government project sites such as the Affordable Housing Program.

Language is not a barrier. Assessments can be administered in English, Kiswahili, or even mother tongues. For those who may not be literate, the system allows for practical, performance-based evaluations where assessors observe candidates executing their tasks in real time.

“If you are a tailor with a sewing machine, a mechanic with a roadside garage, or a fundi working on a construction site, the assessment will come to you,” Maindi explained. “You don’t have to travel to Nairobi or sit in a classroom to prove your skills.”

This approach, according to the government, ensures inclusivity and fairness—recognizing that learning happens in many forms, not just in classrooms.

Strong Collaboration with Industry Stakeholders

The success of the RPL initiative hinges on collaboration between government agencies and industry stakeholders. One key partner is the Kenya National Federation of Jua Kali Associations, which boasts over 17 million members nationwide.

Other critical players include the construction industry, particularly those involved in government-led projects like the Affordable Housing Program, which provides venues for on-site assessment of casual workers. According to Mr. Maindi, these partnerships are essential to ensure that assessments are relevant, practical, and grounded in real work environments.

“By working with industry, we are ensuring that the certificates reflect actual skills required in the job market,” he said.

Unlocking Economic Opportunity

The implications of the RPL program are far-reaching. Certified individuals can use their credentials to apply for better-paying jobs, secure government contracts, and even pursue further education in TVET institutions.

“Casual laborers who were earning as little as KSh500 a day can now command rates of KSh1,500 or more, simply because they have a recognized qualification,” said Mr. Maindi.

The certificates also open doors internationally. With proper documentation, skilled workers can now seek employment opportunities abroad, armed with proof of their abilities recognized in global labor markets.

A National Rollout

While the launch at Eldoret National Polytechnic is a key milestone, it is part of a wider national rollout. All national polytechnics in Kenya have been directed to serve as RPL assessment centers, alongside other accredited TVET institutions. The goal is to establish a robust, nationwide framework that allows anyone with demonstrable skills to access certification.

Dr. Charles Koech, Chief Principal of Eldoret National Polytechnic, reiterated that the institution is ready to serve not just the local community, but the entire North Rift region and beyond.

“This center is open to all,” Dr. Koech said. “Whether you are a welder in Kitale, a mason in Kapenguria, or a carpenter in Kericho, you are welcome here. If you have the skill, we will guide you through assessment and certification.”

He also highlighted the use of modular curricula, which breaks down training into manageable units to allow for certification in specific areas of expertise. For example, one can be certified specifically in tiling, welding, or ceiling installation, with the opportunity to build further qualifications from that foundation.

A Call to Action

As the launch concluded, Mr. Maindi issued a passionate appeal to all Kenyans with untapped potential:

“If you believe you have a skill, don’t let the absence of a certificate hold you back. Walk into any TVET institution and ask about RPL. The government is ready. The assessors are trained. The system is in place. This is your moment.”

He also underscored the commitment of the government to make RPL an engine for economic inclusion and growth. “We are not doing this alone,” he said. “We are working with industry, communities, and individuals. Together, we are building a more equitable and prosperous Kenya.”