Kaiboi National Polytechnic Celebrates RPL Graduates as Tiony Hails Skills Recognition Programme

 By Wasike Elvis

Kaiboi National Polytechnic Chief Principal Abdi Tiony has celebrated the successful Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) graduation at the institution, describing the programme as an important milestone in efforts to ensure skills acquired outside formal classrooms are recognised, assessed and certified.

Tiony said the RPL programme has demonstrated that learning and skills development can take place through different pathways, including workplaces, mentorship, apprenticeships and years of practical hands-on experience.

He said individuals who have accumulated valuable skills over the years should have an opportunity to receive formal recognition and certification, allowing them to use their competencies to pursue employment, entrepreneurship and further education opportunities.

The Chief Principal expressed his appreciation to all partners and stakeholders who supported the RPL graduation at Kaiboi National Polytechnic, saying their contribution had played an important role in making the milestone possible.

He particularly thanked the State Department for TVET and Principal Secretary Esther Thaara Muoria for their support towards strengthening skills development and recognition in the country.

Tiony also acknowledged the contribution of Tourism Fund, the Kaiboi National Polytechnic Governing Council, the County Government of Nandi, Cynthia Muge, Walter Kiplagat Teno and Mosop MP Abraham Kirwa for their commitment towards empowering members of the community through skills recognition and certification.

He said the collaboration demonstrated the importance of bringing together government agencies, educational institutions, county governments, development partners and community leaders to expand access to technical and vocational education and training.

According to Tiony, RPL is particularly significant because it provides a pathway for people who may have acquired skills through experience but lack formal academic qualifications to have their competencies assessed.

 

He said the programme gives such individuals an opportunity to convert years of practical experience into recognised qualifications, which can improve their chances of accessing employment and other economic opportunities.

“RPL is a powerful reminder that skills can be acquired anywhere—in the classroom, at work, through mentorship or through years of hands-on experience,” Tiony said.

He added that what matters is ensuring that these skills can be properly recognised, assessed and certified.

The Chief Principal said Kaiboi National Polytechnic would continue supporting initiatives that empower Kenyans with relevant skills and provide pathways for people to advance their careers.

He noted that the growing demand for skilled workers makes technical and vocational training an important component of the country's efforts to address unemployment, promote self-employment and equip young people and adults with practical competencies.

Tiony also thanked the institution's staff for their role in preparing and supporting the RPL candidates, as well as families and other stakeholders who stood with the graduates throughout the process.

 

He said the success of the graduation was a demonstration of what can be achieved when institutions and stakeholders work together towards a common goal of empowering communities.

The Chief Principal congratulated the RPL graduating class, urging them to use their newly acquired qualifications and recognised skills to pursue new opportunities and contribute to the development of their families and communities.

He said the graduates should view their certification as a new beginning and an opportunity to transform their experience and abilities into sustainable livelihoods.

“Together, we are turning skills into qualifications, qualifications into opportunities and dreams into reality,” Tiony said.

He concluded by congratulating the graduates and reaffirming the importance of recognising skills regardless of where or how they were acquired.

 

“Your skills matter. Your dreams matter. Your future matters,” Tiony told the RPL Class.