Kenya is set to certify more than 40,000 young people through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programme, part of a wider initiative aimed at boosting skills development and employability across the country.
The RPL certification forms a key pillar of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) project, a five-year government programme supported by the World Bank. The initiative is designed to enhance employment prospects, increase earnings, and promote savings among vulnerable youth.
Speaking on Friday during a virtual briefing, NITA Acting Director General Theresa Wasike stressed the importance of the awareness phase, which aims to ensure participants understand the process and requirements of the programme.
“The awareness creation stage is very crucial because it will help the RPL beneficiaries understand what the process is all about as they begin their journey to a brighter future,” she said.
By September 19, awareness activities had been conducted in 20 counties, including Samburu, Garissa, and Trans-Nzoia, with the remaining counties scheduled to follow. RPL Practitioner Solomon Eyanae, who facilitated a forum at Maralal Vocational Training Centre in Samburu, explained that this phase leads to screening and the portfolio-of-evidence stage. During this stage, NITA experts assist youth in identifying their skills and compiling proof such as photos, work samples, testimonials, or videos.
Beneficiaries then undergo a summative assessment, which may include practical, written, or oral tests to confirm competencies. Those who pass will receive nationally recognised NITA certificates, validating their skills for the job market.
Beyond RPL certification, NITA will evaluate youth with technical skills gained through internships and ensure training quality aligns with industry standards. Project Coordinator Joseph Kinuthia highlighted plans to upskill up to 4,000 Master Craftsmen to improve their teaching abilities and training outcomes.
The programme also aims to develop apprenticeship standards in emerging sectors including digital, blue, green, grey, and the creative economy, ensuring Kenya’s youth are equipped to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving job market.
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