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What is RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING (RPL)?

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process used to identify, assess and certify a candidate knowledge, skills and competencies acquired in non-formal or informal learning, such as work or life experience, against prescribed standards or learning outcomes. (KNQA)

The problem:

  • Lack of formal recognition and certification for construction skills
  • Most of the construction workers remain in the informal sector
  • Challenges of skills development, application and wage standardization
  • Low-wage jobs, unsafe conditions, no career growth for workers.
  • Growing number of semi-skilled and skilled but uncertified artisans.
  • Waste of operational time as jobs can only be given based on the oral statement of the applicant

The opportunity:

  • 200,000+ uncertified artisans spread across construction sites all over Kenya
  • The Training iSkills broad based partnerships with regulatory bodies, private sector, donors
  • TTI partnership with Habitat for Humanity International Shelter Tech program
    Year of partnership: 2019 & Ongoing

Status of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in Kenya

  • The National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) has been implementing Skills Upgrade/Upskilling Assessment, Certification and Accreditation (SUACA) in technician level 2,3 and 4.
  • Big 4 Agenda (MTPIII) 2018 – 2022
  • Identifies promotion of Skills Upgrade/Upskilling Assessment, Certification and Accreditation (SUACA) as priority in addressing the existing skills shortage in the country.
  • KNQA in consultation with stakeholders has developed the Skills Upgrade/Upskilling Assessment, Certification and Accreditation (SUACA) Policy Framework in Kenya, 2020.
  • Developed Skills Upgrade/Upskilling Assessment, Certification and Accreditation (SUACA) implementation guidelines, 2020.
  • KNQA accreditation, QA Assessment tools and certification guidelines.

The Toolkit For Skills and Innovation Hub SOLUTION

  • The Toolkit mobilization of artisans, for assessment and certification
  • Online Training and Artisans Deployment (OTAD) Portal.
  • Life and employability skills training for the youth
  • 700 trained artisans in Mombasa in 2019

Approximate Job value of RPL artisans (Quarterly):

400
No. of Artisans
26
No. of workdays
3
Months

The Toolkit Value proposition:

  • Ongoing partnership with NITA, NCA and KNQA
  • Track record in skilling Kenyan youth artisans for the construction sector.
  • Application of Recognition of Prior Learning(RPL) address sector challenges e.g., exclusion of certification for many artisans
  • Orienting youth towards compliance with regulatory bodies and other civil requirements.