The stage for roll-out of recognition of Prior learning Policy(RPL) which seeks to recognise skills from informal sector has been set following the approval by the Cabinet meeting chaired by President William Ruto on Monday in Nakuru.
The approval is part of keeping with President Ruto’s administration’s Bottom Up-Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA)that is geared towards economic turnaround and inclusive growth.
“ The approval by 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, “ reads 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.”
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The development is also a major win for hundreds of learners who had completed their assessment and were awaiting graduation.
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.
In welcoming the latest development, the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) acting Director General Dr Alice Kande, said 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 youths to be awarded certificates based on individual competencies expanding their opportunities in employment and advanced learning,’’ said Dr Kande.
Dr Kande, thanked the technical Committee for the tireless commitment to the task in coming up with the policy stating that, the policy will be applied to effectively coordinate and harmonize 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.
Dr.Kande added that collaboration between industry and academia can create a lively and receptive framework for offering advisory on market-driven courses.“Industry experts possess real-world insights into the rapidly evolving market trends, skill demands, and emerging technologies. By actively engaging with academic institutions, these experts can provide valuable guidance on curriculum design, ensuring that courses align with the current and future needs of the job market,” said Dr. Kande .
She went on: “With strong collaborations, the industry can provide real-world insights, expertise, and resources to enrich student’s learning experiences, ensuring their skills align with current market demands. In tandem with this, academia can contribute by tailoring curricula to meet industry needs, integrating theoretical knowledge with hands-on training.”
The Presidential Working Party on Education Reform (PWPER), recommended the implementation of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy and Credit Accumulation and Transfer Systems (CATS) in Kenya.
In a report presented to President William Ruto, the Prof Raphael Munavu team also proposed more awareness creation on Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Accumulation and Transfer Systems.
“We recommend the development of a framework for linkages among TVETs to remove duplications and create centres of excellence based on niche,” reads the report that that is already being implemented.
Internationally RPL is used as a tool for lifelong learning through provision of access to higher education; Award credit towards a qualification; Admissions into formal institutions of Learning; advanced standing and credit accumulation and transfer; RPL for credit transfer or harmonization (national and foreign credits); RPL for recognition of experiential learning; RPL for upgrading of skills or qualifications and regulatory requirements of some sectors in terms of employing qualified persons.
The KNQF Act Section 8(1)(k) mandates the Authority to promote lifelong learning and recognise the acquisition of skills obtained through different methods; formally, non informally and informally. The Authority recognises that not all skills are acquired in classroom setting. There are mechanics, technicians, plumbers, and tailors with excellent skills they have acquired in the course of their work.
These skills, although contributing immensely to our socio-economic development, are mostly undocumented, unappreciated and remain neglected.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), is the process used to identify, assess and certify an individual’s knowledge, skills and competencies against prescribed standards or learning outcomes regardless of when, where and how they were acquired. Outcomes of prior learning in all contexts of life can be validated, recognised, certified to give people wings to new perspectives and opportunities in education and training, employment, entrepreneurship and better jobs. RPL is also part of the response to the current refugee crisis through identification, documentation, assessment and certification of migrants’ previous experiences, to support quicker and smoother integration into host countries.
The Policy on Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) will bring into the national database numerous skills, knowledge and competencies that are currently contributing to national development but have not been well understood, articulated, documented, recognized, assessed and certificated. The policy aims at developing and implementing a more flexible, efficient learner journey in recognition that not all learning takes place in formal classes and formal laboratories/workshops.
The Government of Kenya is implementing the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) that is geared towards economic turnaround and inclusive growth. The main objective is to improve the livelihoods and welfare of Kenyans. In line with this, the Government will implement policies and structural reforms and promote investment in five pillars that are expected to have the highest impact at the bottom of the economic pyramid. These are Agricultural Transformation and Inclusive Growth; transforming the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSMEs) Economy; Housing and Settlement; Healthcare; and Digital Superhighway and Creative Economy. To actualise the five (5) Pillars, the Government is implementing strategic interventions under the following key enablers: Infrastructure; Manufacturing; Blue Economy; the Services Economy; Environment and Climate Change; Education and Training; Women Agenda; Youth Empowerment and Development Agenda; Social Protection; Sports, Culture and Arts; and Good Governance.
