Kenyans working in the informal sector including mama mbogas, domestic workers, and construction hands are being encouraged to have their skills officially recognized through the government’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programme.

Stanley Maindi, who heads the RPL delivery unit at the State Department for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), said the government is now focused on validating skills acquired outside formal training institutions.

Speaking at the launch of a new RPL center at Eldoret National Polytechnic on Thursday, Maindi called on informal sector workers to present themselves for assessment at national polytechnics countrywide.

“You don’t need to be a master of many trades. If you’ve specialized in something like roofing, we can assess and certify that particular skill,” said Maindi. He represented TVET Principal Secretary Dr. Esther Muoria at the event.

He noted that close to 17 million Kenyans in the jua kali sector possess valuable hands-on experience but lack formal qualifications something the RPL programme aims to address. He also highlighted that many others with critical skills are running their own small businesses without any form of professional accreditation.

Charles Koech, the Chief Principal of Eldoret National Polytechnic, welcomed the move, saying the institution is collaborating with industry partners to identify and certify skilled individuals.

“We’ll be conducting assessments and issuing certification for both youth and adults. We’re honored to be among the institutions mandated to implement the RPL policy,” said Koech.

He added that the jua kali community has shown strong support for the initiative and encouraged more skilled Kenyans to seek recognition through certified RPL centers.

“We appreciate the response we’re getting from artisans. We urge the public to come forward and have their skills assessed, recognized, and certified,” Koech said.