Post: PS Muoria Unveils RPL Programme at Kisii Polytechnic

Kisii: The government has introduced the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) training programme at Kisii National Polytechnic. The programme will recognise and validate skills and knowledge acquired outside traditional educational settings, thereby boosting employability and fostering lifelong learning.According to Kenya News Agency, during the inauguration ceremony at the Polytechnic, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Dr. Esther Muoria, said the government had enacted the RPL policy to acknowledge and certify individuals possessing skills acquired outside formal education systems. To implement this policy, the Ministry of Education has established the Directorate of Prior Learning at Kabete National Polytechnic to serve the entire country.Dr. Muoria expressed gratitude to the African Development Bank for sponsoring the RPL training initiative, adding that the Ministry plans to extend similar programmes to other regions to ensure nation wide coverage. Kisii National Polytechnic aims to equip over 50 trainers with level II certification as RPL practitioners across various competencies, and the ongoing training is expected to end on March 7th.The PS reiterated the government's commitment to expanding access to TVET institutions, with the state aiming to establish a TVET centre in every constituency. Dr. Muoria also called upon leaders to invest in youth empowerment programmes, adding that a well-prepared generation would contribute significantly to the county's economic and social progress. 'As a government, we will continue to support initiatives that equip our young people with the right mindset, skills and values to thrive in today's world,' said Dr. Muoria.Stanley Maingi, Director of the RPL Delivery Unit, said that RPL is a new and innovative approach in the country, with training progressing rapidly. 'We are not slowing down. Next week, we will be at Kabete and Nyeri National Polytechnics. Thereafter, we will head to the Coast, follo wed by Kisumu National Polytechnic and others, to ensure these institutions undergo the RPL training programme,' said Maingi.On her part, Mary Zaritu, a representative of Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICAN), revealed that 56 trainer practitioners are currently undergoing RPL training. Zaritu emphasized that the training is a vital component of the Young Africa Works TVETs programme that is spearheaded by the Kenya National Qualifications Authorities. Zaritu noted the African Development Bank is sponsoring hundreds of students who are interested in enrolling in RPL programmes to ensure wider accessibility to skills recognition and certification across Kenya.