By Eddah Waithaka
National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) and 47 County Executive Committee Members (CECMs) in charge of Education and Vocational Training, today cemented a new partnership to accelerate skills development, targeting over 400,000 workers for certification under an ambitious presidential initiative.
The forum explored potential areas of partnership in Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), industrial training, and broader skills development initiatives.
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The meeting, took place at NITA Athi River Conference Center and was graced by the Labour and Skills Development Secretary Administrator Herman Shambi, who represented the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Labour and Skills Development.
In his speech, Principal Secretary Shadrack Mwadime (EBS) rallied all 47 counties to implement the Kenya National Skills Development Policy during a high-stakes meeting at NITA’s Athi River conference center.
During the recent summit, several key decisions were made, including a RPL Certification Blitz, where counties will mobilize artisans, construction workers, and vocational specialists to complete 420,000 Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) assessments by October 2025, with each county appointing dedicated RPL focal persons within two weeks.
In addition, the newly launched National Labour Market Information System (LMIS) will provide real-time data on skills demand to inform training programs.
A significant vocational training overhaul was also agreed upon, requiring county-run vocational centers to adopt employer-driven curricula developed by NITA, with joint national-county teams conducting quarterly skills gap analyses.
This is particularly important given that 85% of Kenya’s workforce is in the informal sector; the RPL program presents transformative opportunities, such as allowing certified masons to bid for government tenders, enabling mechanics to access formal employment, and permitting hairdressers to qualify for business loans.
The county commitments are being spearheaded by NITA’s Acting leadership.
Director General Theresa Wasike revealed that 12 counties have already pledged training facilities for mass RPL assessments.
Council of Governors CEO Mary Mwiti (MBS) announced plans for county-level skills development funds.
Digital Transformation
The Industrial Training Board showcased new mobile platforms allowing workers to: Register for RPL via USSD (*384*85#) inorder to access virtual skills training and receive e-certificates.
On July 15, counties are required to submit their Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) implementation plans, followed by the first batch of 50,000 workers set to receive their certifications in August, culminating in a national skills competition for certified artisans scheduled for October.
“This isn’t just paperwork – we’re transforming lives,” PS Mwadime declared, pointing to Jane Kamau, a 45-year-old tailor from Kiambu who tripled her income after RPL certification.
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