Win for learners as government rolls out RPL policy
By Alvin.Mwangi, January 23, 2024The stage is now set for a full roll-out of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which seeks to recognise the informally acquired skills following the approval by the Cabinet.
The development is a major win for hundreds of learners who had completed their assessment and were awaiting graduation.
The approval is part of President Ruto’s administration’s Bottom Up-Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) that is geared towards economic turnaround and inclusive growth.
“The approval by the Cabinet is the milestone in a process that commenced in the year 2020. By dint of the decision by Cabinet, there is now a functional and credible system for recognition of knowledge, skills, and competencies that have been acquired through practical work but which are not supported by corresponding academic or institutional qualifications,” read the Cabinet dispatch released on Monday.
It went on: “The Recognition of Prior Learning Policy is the bridge to facilitate transition from informality to formality as well as facilitating multi entry/exit between the education system and the labour market. This seminal move is anticipated to open up a bountiful frontier of new opportunities for the millions of hustlers who are the lifeblood of the Kenyan economy.”
Crucial role
The Kenya National Qualifications Authority(KNQA) with the support of the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders have played a crucial role in the development of the policy.
KNQA acting Director General Dr Alice Kande (pictured) now says the policy and guidelines will provide standards of assessing and certifying the skills and competencies acquired through experience.
“This will enable our skilled, but uncertified youth to be awarded certificates based on individual competencies expanding their opportunities in employment and advanced learning,’’ said Dr Kande.
Dr Kande, said the policy would be applied to effectively coordinate and harmonise the national curriculum development approach to produce quality skilled human resources with the right attitude and values required in the emerging trends in the industry and for the growth and prosperity of the various sectors of the economy.