The government has officially launched a nationwide skills screening and certification drive targeting thousands of Kenyan youths with informally acquired skills. This initiative, under the National Youth Opportunities towards Advancement (NYOTA) programme, aims to formally recognise skills gained outside the classroom, unlocking local and international job opportunities.
Principal Secretary for Labour and Skills Development, Shadrack Mwadime, announced the rollout in Mombasa, emphasising its role in inclusive growth. “We are here to ensure no young person is left behind due to a lack of formal education. This certification opens doors to employment and enterprise growth, both in Kenya and abroad,” stated PS Mwadime.
What is the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)?
RPL is the third pillar of the NYOTA programme, complementing business grants and job placements. It assesses and certifies the competencies you have gained through work, apprenticeships, or informal training.
How the Certification Process Works
1. Nationwide Screening (Jan 27 – 31): Free screening exercises are being held at TVET institutions across all 47 counties. Applicants should have received an SMS via Safaricom with specific venue and date details.
2. Portfolio Submission (Feb 2 – 6): Present evidence of your skills—this could be photos, videos, or references from past work.
3. Assessment & Results: Skills evaluations will follow, with results announced on February 18. Successful candidates will receive transcripts from February 23, leading to full certification.
Key Details for Applicants
- Target: 20,000 youth from a pool of 68,000 applicants.
- Cost: Absolutely free. PS Mwadime warned against anyone asking for payment.
- Next Steps: Applicants must attend the screening with their portfolio. Schedules are published on the State Department for Labour and NITA websites.
Future Opportunities: The government is engaging foreign countries to employ RPL-certified individuals, enhancing overseas work prospects under safer, formal channels.
Why This Matters for Kenyan Youth?
This certification:
Validates your real-world skills with a government-backed certificate.
Improves employability for formal jobs locally and internationally.
Supports entrepreneurship by building credibility for your business.
Promotes inclusivity by valuing skills regardless of how they were acquired.
The RPL exercise, funded with Sh229 million, is a core part of NITA’s mandate and will continue beyond the current World Bank-supported phase.
Are you an applicant?
Check your phone for the official SMS and visit the NITA website for your county screening schedule. This is your chance to turn experience into opportunity.
Stay connected with Vocation Hub Kenya for more updates on skills, training, and youth opportunities.
by|Aaron Marie