UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI BOLSTERS NATIONAL SKILLS RECOGNITION WITH KEY RPL TRAINING.

Nairobi, Kenya – July 25, 2025

The University of Nairobi, in collaboration with the State Department for Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET), successfully concluded an intensive five-day Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Practitioner Level 2 Training Programme.Running from July 21st to 25th, 2025,the program significantly enhanced the capacity of professionals involved in the RPL process across Kenya,particularly for the Association of Pentecostal Vocational Training Institutions of Kenya (APVOTIK).

Prof. Ann Aseey, the lead trainer, stated that the program is a vital step in strengthening Kenya's national qualifications framework, brought together participants from various institutions and sectors. The program is focused on equipping RPL practitioners with advanced skills in the assessment, counselling, and verification of prior learning, aligning with the standards set by the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA).

DVC Research, innovation & Enterprise Prof.  Francis Mulaa, UON. And members of association of pentecostal vocational training institutions of kenya (apvotik) rpl practitioner level 2 training workshop.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Hutchinson's speech, read by DVC Prof. Mulaa during the opening ceremony,
highlighted the university's dedication to shaping the future of education and aligning it with the
demands of today's world. "The global workforce is rapidly changing, and there’s a growing need to
equip our youth and adult learners with practical skills that open up real opportunities," stated the Vice
Chancellor. She emphasized the university's commitment to being a key player in implementing RPL in
Kenya by building the necessary expertise, systems, and structures to deliver it effectively.

DVC Research, innovation & Enterprise Prof. Francis Mulaa, UON. And members of association of
pentecostal vocational training institutions of kenya (apvotik) rpl practitioner level 2 training workshop.
RPL, a transformative global practice gaining traction locally, validates the skills and knowledge
individuals acquire beyond traditional academic settings.

This process involves identifying, assessing, and certifying these competencies against prescribed standards. Mr. Stanley Maindi, Director of the RPL Delivery Unit, further explained that RPL is a transformative initiative championed by the Kenyan government, seeking to formally acknowledge and certify knowledge, skills, and competencies gained through informal, non-formal, and experiential learning, such as work experience, self-study, and community involvement.

This is particularly crucial in Kenya, where a significant portion of the workforce, especially in the informal sector, possesses valuable skills but lacks formal certification.

The intensive training program featured lectures by certified RPL experts, role-plays on creating RPL
awareness and developing assessment plans, and exercises on RPL Management Information Systems.

The successful completion of this program at the University of Nairobi underscores the growing
commitment within Kenya's education and training sector to fully implement RPL. The trained RPL
practitioners are now poised to play a pivotal role in expanding RPL services across accredited
assessment centers and Qualification Awarding Institutions in Kenya. This initiative directly contributes
to the country's Vision 2030 development blueprint and efforts towards a more inclusive and skilled
workforce.

The closing ceremony marked the beginning of a movement to transform education in Kenya, with the Christian ministry looking forward to scaling up RPL initiatives across various sectors. With a shared vision, the University of Nairobi, alongside the Ministry of Education and State Department of TVET, aims to recognize and celebrate all forms of learning.