Education CS praises Recognition of Prior Learning policies

By Daniel Dembede

Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Julius Migos Ogamba has praised the critical role played by the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program in the success of Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET).

Speaking at Kenya school of TVET in Nairobi during the release of the July/August 2024 CBET assessment series, Ogamba said the RPL initiative has enabled many skilled Kenyans, particularly those whose skills were acquired outside formal education, to receive certification that reflects their competencies.

“RPL is about inclusivity and opportunity-it provides a pathway for workers to access formal employment, professional advancement, or further training,” said the CS. 

Ogamba observed that through RPL, the TVET system is providing recognition to all talents and contributions, encouraging all institutions to register as RPL assessment centres.

“Quality is at the core of our education reform. Therefore, we have invested heavily in the training of our TVET trainers and assessors. Through partnerships with international organisations, we have conducted extensive capacity-building programs that ensure our trainers understand and apply CBET methodology. Our trainers are now adequately prepared to deliver competency-based training effectively.”

Kenya is implementing the recognition of prior learning policy across various institutions following its launch in March by the government, and it is being spearheaded by the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA).

KNQA coordinates implementation of the policy through awareness creation, sensitization and organising capacity building forums. 

The national rollout of RPL is a timely conduit towards realising the Kenya Kwanza Government Affordable Housing Program (AHP) with a view to increasing the supply of housing units from the current 2% to 50%, translating to 250,000 housing units for next five years from the current 50,000.

“Since the decision is to fully implement CBET, we have taken concrete actions to embed this approach in every level of technical training. The Government, through TVET CDACC, has spearheaded the development of over 400 competency-based curricula, all developed in close consultation with industry experts to ensure that every skill taught is directly applicable to real-world job roles,” added CS Ogamba.

The CS said collaborations are essential in ensuring that the programs remain responsive to industry needs.

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