Mombasa embraces RPL to drive economic growth

HUSSEIN ABDULLAHI -KNA

The County Government of Mombasa is embracing the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) framework to drive economic growth. The devolved government has partnered with the Kenya Coast National Polytechnic to empower its staff with formal certification.

RPL is a structured assess ment process that identifies and certifies skills, knowl edge, and competencies acquired by an individual through work experience, life activities, or informal training.

Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir described RPL as a transformative tool for improving employability and driving socio-economic growth.

He said the first cohort of the RPL program of 24 staff drawn from the depart ments of Environment and Solid Waste Management, and Transport and Infra structure have graduated in motor vehicle mechanics, arc welding, electrical instal lation and motor vehicle electrical systems among others. 

Nassir said the beneficiar ies of the RPL project have joined the county public service in a supportive role, but over the years acquired technical skills and expe rience that deserve to be recognized, certified and developed.

The RPL initiative is expected to improve work force readiness, promote inclusivity, and support the growing youth population.

“We want to nurture a Public Service where experience counts, skills are rec ognized and every member of staff has an opportunity to grow,” he said.

The County boss noted that RPL is a gamechanger for people with competencies acquired through hands-on experience, but who lack formal certification.

Governor Nassir said skills training remains the corner stone of his administration’s vision for sustainable development.

He emphasized the impor tance of recognizing skills acquired outside formal education through RPL in a knowledge-based economy.