Millions of Kenyans in the informal sector who have been denied jobs for lack of certificates will now be formally recognised enabling them to get access to opportunities locally and abroad.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy, which was launched on Friday, will open the way for people who have self-acquired skills but have been overlooked for lack certificates.  

While launching the Policy at the Kenyatta International Convention Center (KICC), Nairobi, he said the government is dignifying the jobs of jua kali artisans who possess skills through self-training but cannot be formally employed because they lack college certificates.

“They must be allowed to take part in the development of this country and fend for themselves and their families,” said the Deputy President.  

The DP said the people deserve to play a greater role in national building as those who have formal education, saying the RPL Policy  will empower millions locked out of the employment bracket.

“ What happened today is the best thing that could ever happen to this country,” Gachagua said.

During the launch, the DP also awarded certificates to 900 graduates of the RPL Cohort 1 as he encouraged them to take full advantage of the recognition.

“In these certificates, we are giving them the key and empowering them access to unlimited opportunities in the formal sector- locally and internationally,” said the Deputy President.

At the same time, the Deputy President asked for a review of a requirement of a form four certificate to clear one for domestic work abroad.

“If one is good at domestic work, they must be allowed access to these opportunities. It is not a must they must have studied to Form Four,” asserted the DP.

The Deputy President was accompanied by Cabinet Secretary for Education Ezekiel Machogu, Principal Secretaries Belio Kipsang (Basic Education), Esther Muoria (TVETs), Beatrice Inyangala (Higher Education), Charles Hinga (Housing), Shadrack Mwadime (Labour), Solicitor General Shadrack Mose, Kericho Governor Erick Mutai, Nairobi Deputy Governor Njoroge Muchiri and Jua Kali Federation Chief Executive Officer Richard Muteti.