• During the review workshop held in Naivasha, TVET PS Esther Muoria, said RPL is more than just a mechanism for validating existing skills.
• She noted that embracing RPL is not just a matter of social equity but an investment in the future of the nation.
Image: COURTESY
The Ministry of Education has embarked on a review of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy framework in order to align it with the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
The policy seeks to acknowledge learning outcomes achieved through a range of experiences including informal and non-formal learning such as employer-provided training and assessment.
For the last week, experts are refining the document ahead of its launch in October and the first graduation of pioneer RPL students.
The experts include; the Ministry of Education, Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA), National Industrial Training Institute (NITA), Technical Vocational Education Training Authority (TVETA) and the Council of Governors among others
They are also refining RPL implementation guidelines, RPL tools and instruments.
During the review workshop held in Naivasha, TVET PS Esther Muoria said RPL is more than just a mechanism for validating existing skills.
She said it is a philosophy that embraces the notion of lifelong learning.
“We are looking at the need for a greener future, the recent adoption of the BETA, and the global demands for occupational skills. As key stakeholders of the qualification systems and educators, we must understand that knowledge is not confined to the walls of a classroom or the pages of a textbook,” Muoria said.
She noted that embracing RPL is not just a matter of social equity but an investment in the future of the nation.
"So far, we have the policies and frameworks in place and now, we have the feedback after putting the policies to test. Now it is time to incorporate the findings and make the tools appropriate to address the emerging global trends and keep it aligned to the anticipated changes," she said.
Image: FILE
The Presidential Working Party on Education Reform (PWPER) has recommended the implementation of RPL policy and Credit Accumulation and Transfer Systems (CATS) in Kenya.
In a report presented to President William Ruto, the reform team wants more awareness to be accumulated in the creation of RPL and CATS.
“We recommend the development of a framework for linkages among TVETs to remove duplications and create centres of excellence based on niche,” reads the report.
During Madaraka Day celebrations in 2021, former President Uhuru Kenyatta announced that the government was keen to give every Kenyan, an opportunity to participate in economic development.
He noted that the move was to address inequity in tendering for contracts of jua kali artisans and craftsmen, due to their lack of certification and to secure opportunities for them.
Education CS Ezekiel Machogu has already appointed a team to review the RPL framework, as well as organize the first graduation of RPL learners in September this year.
The move will provide a framework for recognition of skills through the award of certificates, based on competence to enable them to participate in various economic opportunities.
Recognition of Prior Learning has been adopted as a redress mechanism for past inequalities.
It has facilitated and improved employability, mobility, progression and access within education, training and development career paths.
Internationally RPL is used as a tool for lifelong learning through the provision of access to higher education.
The KNQF Act Section 8(1)(k) mandates the authority to promote lifelong learning and recognise the acquisition of skills obtained through different methods; formally, non-informally and informally.
The Authority recognises that not all skills are acquired in a classroom setting.