KNQA to formalize qualification of 5,000 artisans among them Refugees and Immigrants

NAKURU,Kenya, Sep, 21 – Kenyans working in the informal sector will now see their skills recognized through the awarding of academic certificates in a process that will now seek to ascertain their skills and competencies.

According to the Kenya National Qualification Authority (KNQA) 85 per cent of youths working in the informal sector do not have any form of formal education despite their skills in various critical fields in the country.

Under the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programme KNQA will now formalize the qualifications of 5,000 artisans.

During the Authority’s retreat in Naivasha, council chairman Dr. Kilemi Mwiria said that the youth in the informal sector had been ignored for far too long by the State and the community despite the role they play in the country’s economy.

“Research indicates that 85 percent of the youths in the Jua kali sector do not have any form of education and the authority is keen to certify their qualifications. Currently demand for manual work in Europe and US is high due to the low birth rate and we should take advantage of this to assist our youths,” he said.

During the Madaraka Day celebrations in Kisumu county, president Uhuru Kenyatta directed the Kenya National Qualifications Authority(KNQA) through the Ministry of Education to fast track the operationalization of the policy framework in one month’s time for comprehensive recognition of prior learning (RPL). 

Years since the idea was first mooted, Kenyans who had acquired hands-on skills without formal training such as masons, plumbers, electricians, mechanics among many others will now be able to to acquire higher academic levels as part of the perks.

“This policy intervention will expand the opportunities for artisans and craftsmen in our jus kali sector to participate meaningfully in our economy,” said president Kenyatta.

KNQA has already established a frame work ready to be implemented as well as establishing Recognition of Prior Learning(RPL) guidelines and tools of execution.

The authority’s CEO Dr Juma Mukwana said that the new programme would come in handy in addressing the needs of the youths working in the informal settlement.

“As you are aware the Kenyan economy is driven by players in the Jua Kali Sector and a country we have not done very well in appreciating the alternative skills,’ said Dr Mukhwana.

The Officer in Charge of International Labor Organization (ILO) Kenya, Caroline Njuki said they were ready to support Kenya with best practices.

“Others who are set to benefit under the programme are hundreds of skilled refugees and immigrants who cannot get appropriate paperwork due to various bottlenecks,” she said.

For candidates seeking to advance their academics to the college of their choice, they will first be required to obtain the certificate after their skills have been validated.

This will entail, uploading their portfolio on the RPL-Information Management System. 

A sample of one’s work including video evidence, photographs of even a recommendation letter for work done will form the basis of the certification process.

The application will also seek to analyse performance appraisals from previous employers or even details of trainings attended by the candidates which will subsequently be vetted.

A minimum admission requirement has already been set for the national qualification framework that has at least 10 levels.

The KNQA Director General says that those that have been vetted and deemed to have achieved the minimum qualifications, will be equated to Level three.

“Level three admission criteria requires one to be a holder of a certificate of experiential learning,” said Dr Juma Mukwana in a previous interview.

The smooth transition according to the KNQA guidelines, will see candidates progress to level four which his the equivalent of an artisan certificate qualification and level five which is a craft certificate.

Gradually one can progress to level six an obtain a diploma certificate or even level 9 and10  which is the equivalent of a masters and doctorate degree.