Kenya’s vibrant informal sector, which accounts for approximately 80% of the country’s workforce, is poised for a transformative shift as a proposed law seeks to formally recognize the skills of jua kali artisans. Kisumu Central MP Joshua Oron has introduced the Industrial Training (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which mandates the government to establish a system for assessing and certifying individuals who acquire skills outside conventional academic settings.
The bill proposes that the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) take on this critical role. Specifically, it would be responsible for establishing a system that assesses and certifies skills acquired through informal, non-formal, or experiential learning in vocational trades or crafts. According to Oron, this framework is essential for recognizing and validating the competencies of workers who contribute significantly to Kenya’s economy but lack officially recognized credentials.
Bridging the Skills Recognition Gap
The informal sector in Kenya is a powerhouse of talent, encompassing workers proficient in areas like automotive mechanics, welding, textiles, building, and construction. Despite their expertise, many artisans lack formal certification, which limits their career prospects and access to opportunities.
“The objective of the bill is to recognize prior learning as a framework that acknowledges the skills, knowledge, performance outcomes, and learning achieved through informal and non-formal learning pathways,” Oron stated in the bill’s memo.
He emphasized that artisans across the jua kali sector and other informal domains often gain extensive skills through hands-on experience. “They should have the opportunity for the recognition of their acquired knowledge and skills,” the MP added.
Pilot Program and Its Success
The government has already laid the groundwork for this initiative. In 2023, it piloted a policy to certify skills in textiles, welding, motor mechanics, beauty, and masonry. This effort provided insights into the potential benefits and challenges of scaling such a program nationwide.
The Technical and Vocational Education Authority (TVETA) has confirmed that the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy is now officially in place. Acting Director of the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA), Alice Kande, highlighted the policy’s importance in a recent opinion article. Launched in March 2024, the RPL framework introduces a standard process to identify, document, assess, and certify informally acquired skills.
Scaling Up Certification
The pilot program has already borne fruit, with about 600 Kenyans graduating in early 2024 after achieving full or partial certification through the RPL framework, according to the International Labour Organization (ILO). These certifications provide workers with enhanced credibility and access to better job opportunities.
Oron’s proposed legislation seeks to give a legal foundation to the RPL framework, ensuring its implementation across the country. The bill envisions NITA developing systems and structures to facilitate the recognition of skills acquired informally. This includes conducting assessments and awarding certifications that validate workers’ expertise.
Implications for the Workforce
If passed, the legislation will be a game-changer for Kenya’s labor market. Formal certification of informal skills will open doors for artisans to secure higher-paying jobs, access government contracts, and even explore international opportunities. It will also enhance the credibility of Kenya’s workforce, making it more competitive globally.
Moreover, the initiative aligns with the government’s broader goals of empowering the informal sector and promoting technical and vocational education. Recognizing and certifying artisans’ skills is a significant step toward formalizing the informal sector, which has long been the backbone of Kenya’s economy.
Looking Ahead
As the Industrial Training (Amendment) Bill, 2024, progresses through Parliament, stakeholders in the informal sector are hopeful about its potential impact. The proposed law represents a critical acknowledgment of the immense contributions of jua kali artisans and other informal workers to Kenya’s development.
By formalizing the recognition of prior learning, Kenya is not only empowering its workforce but also setting a precedent for other nations to follow.