MDF Eastern and Southern Africa, in collaboration with the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), recently hosted a workshop to empower industry experts, practitioners, and stakeholders within the ICT Repair and Maintenance and Masonry trades. Following the kick-off and stakeholder awareness in June 2024, this initiative aims to provide a pathway for individuals to receive formal certification based on their previous industry knowledge, work experience, and skills, particularly in ICT repair and maintenance and masonry trades. The workshop was inaugurated by Jane Komu, the Director of Industrial Training and Skills Development.

The Skills Initiative for Africa (SIFA)project on RPL is a critical step towards bridging the gap between informal work experience and formal qualifications. Through the RPL project, participants who have honed their skills in non-traditional learning environments can now be formally assessed and recognised. This not only enhances their professional standing but also broadens their opportunities for employment and fair compensation.

The workshop brought together practitioners, stakeholders, and industry experts to align on the vision and strategy of the RPL project. The discussions focused on understanding the concept of RPL, its applicability, and the roles of the various practitioners involved. Participants explored the value that RPL brings to the workforce, particularly for those who have acquired skills informally, often without the opportunity to gain formal qualifications.

One of the key sessions at the workshop was led by NITA, which introduced the RPL frameworks, and the supporting infrastructure provided by national institutions. The importance of expanding access to RPL was highlighted, with discussions centring on making RPL accessible to all individuals and the potential for RPL to certify skills gained informally across different trades.

The framework discussed positions RPL not as a shortcut to formal education but as a bridge that connects work experience with formal certification. In many workplaces, employees acquire new skills over time, often driven by the evolving needs of their employers. RPL allows these individuals to receive formal recognition for their expertise, which is crucial not only for personal growth but also for mobility across different regions and industries.

Another significant aspect of the workshop was the validation of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials developed for the project. Practitioners provided valuable feedback on how to improve these materials to better serve the needs of beneficiaries in the two targeted trades.

Key takeaways from the workshop include the recognition of the informal sector’s substantial contribution to Kenya’s economy, accounting for over 80% of jobs. In 2023, only 22.27% of students qualified to join universities, highlighting the need for alternative pathways like RPL for the majority who do not pursue formal higher education over time. The RPL project, therefore, offers a vital avenue for these individuals to receive recognition and fair compensation for their skills, which are often acquired on the job over many years.

The SIFA RPL project was successfully launched in multiple counties, with plans to assess and certify 300 young people over the next 18 months. MDF ESA, in partnership with NITA, is proud to lead this initiative, which promises to make a significant impact on the lives of many skilled individuals in Kenya.