Schools Offering Certificates to Kenyans Who Have Not Attended Classes

President William Ruto’s Cabinet has recently ushered in a groundbreaking policy on Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), granting the opportunity for Kenyans without formal education to obtain professional certificates.

This initiative, approved on January 15, aims to identify, assess, and certify individuals’ knowledge, skills, and attitudes, regardless of how, when, or where they acquired them.

The RPL certificates are exclusively awarded by institutions certified by the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA). Presently, KNQA extends certifications to four distinct categories of institutions accredited by the Ministry of Education.

Firstly, all Kenyan universities established under the regulations of the University Act no 42 of 2012, totaling 35 public universities, are eligible to offer RPL certificates upon certification. National polytechnics, numbering 11 in Kenya, including institutions like Kabete, Eldoret, and Kisumu, also have the green light to grant RPL certificates.

The second category encompasses institutions under government ministries, with the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) leading the way in offering RPL certificates. NITA currently operates training centers in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Athi River.

Furthermore, institutions established by an Act of Parliament to develop and award qualifications constitute the fourth category permitted to offer RPL certificates. Additionally, foreign institutions accredited in their home countries as qualification-awarding bodies can be certified by KNQA to issue RPL certificates to Kenyan citizens.

This move signifies a significant shift in educational accessibility, empowering individuals who may not have followed traditional educational paths. The diversification of institutions offering RPL certificates enhances opportunities for skill recognition and professional development, contributing to the broader goal of fostering a skilled and knowledgeable workforce in Kenya.

As the nation embraces this progressive policy, it opens doors for countless Kenyans to demonstrate their competencies and contribute meaningfully to various sectors, bridging gaps in education and ensuring a more inclusive and skilled workforce for the future.