President William Ruto presided over the first-ever Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) graduation ceremony at State House, Nairobi. The event marked a significant milestone in the Government's efforts to formally recognise skills and competencies acquired outside the conventional education system. A total of 3,772 graduates received certification for skills and competencies in various technical fields.
The training, undertaken by the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), aims to certify Kenyans who possess valuable practical skills but have been performing important work without formal recognition of their competencies. The beneficiaries include artisans, plumbers, electricians, masons, carpenters, mechanics, salonists, and other skilled workers whose expertise has traditionally been acquired through experience, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training.
President Ruto stated that more than 60,000 Kenyans have applied to undergo the RPL certification process, with 20,000 jointly funded by the Government and the World Bank. He added that the Government will finance the certification of the remaining 40,000 applicants, underscoring his administration's commitment to ensuring that Kenyans with practical skills receive formal recognition and access to greater economic opportunities.
The President noted that the RPL programme is at the heart of the Government's job-creation agenda, as the beneficiaries' skills are critical to driving major national transformation projects, particularly the Affordable Housing Programme. He mentioned that each of the 303,910 housing units under construction across the country requires masons, electricians, plumbers, carpenters, welders, painters, and tile setters.
President Ruto also cited other Government initiatives aimed at expanding employment opportunities for young people. He mentioned that ClimateWorx Mtaani in Nairobi alone has employed 45,000 youth, while 701,000 Kenyans have secured employment opportunities overseas and another 350,000 digital jobs have been created through Jitume Labs.
During the ceremony, President Ruto launched the Fundi Locator App, a digital platform that will connect certified artisans and skilled workers with potential customers, enabling them to access more business opportunities. He also launched the Haba Haba Savings Scheme, a digital savings platform designed to help skilled workers save for the future and secure the well-being of their families.
Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU-Kenya) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli and Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua were present at the ceremony, along with NITA Board Chairman David Musila, Principal Secretaries, and other senior Government officials. The President urged the youth to embrace the culture of saving and investment, including investing in the Nairobi Securities Exchange.
Key points
- President Ruto presided over the first-ever RPL graduation ceremony, certifying 3,772 Kenyans with skills in technical fields.
- The Government will finance the certification of 40,000 RPL applicants, with 20,000 jointly funded by the Government and the World Bank.
- The RPL programme is critical to driving major national transformation projects, particularly the Affordable Housing Programme.
