By: James Ndolo
Kenya has unveiled a bold initiative aimed at transforming its skills development landscape through strengthened collaboration between national and county governments. The programme seeks to certify 420,000 Kenyans through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) framework by October 2025.
The announcement was made by the Principal Secretary for Labour and Skills Development, Mr. Shadrack Mwadime, during a consultative forum held at the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) campus in Athi River. The forum brought together County Executive Committee Members (CECMs) responsible for Education and Training from across the country.
In remarks delivered on his behalf by Labour and Skills Development Secretary Administrator Mr. Herman Shambi, PS Mwadime underscored the urgent need for coordinated intergovernmental action in implementing the newly launched Kenya National Skills Development Policy. The policy is a cornerstone of the country’s economic transformation agenda, promoting lifelong learning, Recognition of Prior Learning, and employer-led training models to respond to evolving labour market demands.
He highlighted the significant progress made by NITA, particularly in curriculum reform, the rollout of RPL programmes, and the deepening of industry partnerships. He also pointed to the operationalization of the National Labour Market Information System (LMIS) a data-driven platform designed to align training with actual labour market needs.
“The RPL programme is designed to formally recognize and certify skills acquired informally, especially within our dynamic informal sector,” said Mr. Mwadime. “This initiative is not just about certification it’s about enhancing employability, restoring dignity, and increasing mobility for our workers, particularly artisans, construction workers, and vocational specialists.”
Under the Presidential Rapid Results Initiative (RRI), NITA is spearheading efforts to assess and certify 420,000 individuals by October 2025. This nationwide campaign is expected to significantly bolster Kenya’s skilled labour force and support the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
County governments have been identified as critical partners in the success of this initiative. PS Mwadime urged counties to appoint RPL focal persons, mobilize candidates, facilitate industry linkages, and provide the necessary infrastructure and policy support. He assured counties of continued technical assistance, policy guidance, and capacity-building support from the State Department.
Ms. Theresa Wasike, Acting Director General of NITA, reaffirmed the institution’s strong partnership with counties, noting their critical role since the advent of devolution. She emphasized NITA’s mandate to regulate, facilitate, and deliver industrial training, develop curricula, accredit training providers, and manage the Industrial Training Levy.
“Today’s forum offers an opportunity to deepen collaboration with counties and explore new areas of partnership for mutual benefit,” said Ms. Wasike. “We are confident that these discussions will lead to impactful joint actions that support job creation and economic growth.”
Aden Noor Ali, Chairperson of the National Industrial Training Board (NITB), reiterated the Board’s commitment to steering NITA toward sustainability, quality assurance, and global competitiveness. He called for enhanced collaboration among national and county governments, the private sector, and international partners to broaden the reach and impact of NITA’s work.
According to the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, Kenya’s long-term goal is to build a globally competitive and adaptive human resource base capable of driving rapid industrialization. However, the Ministry warned that the growing mismatch between skills produced and those demanded in the labour market could derail this vision if not addressed with urgency.
Mt Kenya Times 
Elizabeth Angira