Today, the Education Sector Board, led by Chair Dr. Vincent Gaitho and Vice Chair TVET Ms. Priscilla Kerebi, met with The Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) Director General Dr. Alice Kande to address critical challenges surrounding Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) implementation. The primary objective of the meeting was to discuss industry-academia linkages and ensure the successful implementation of RPL.

RPL involves identifying, assessing, and certifying individuals' knowledge, skills, and competencies acquired through informal learning against prescribed standards. Eligible individuals with solid experience outside formal educational settings can benefit from RPL, filling skills gaps through relevant training programs. Various stakeholders, including KNQA, Qualification Awarding Institutions (QAIs), industry players, education training institutions, trainers, and regulators, play pivotal roles in facilitating the effective implementation of the RPL process.

The meeting focused on several key concerns, including barriers faced by qualified Kenyans in teaching specialized subjects due to rigid definitions by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), obscurity around the RPL framework for TVET assessors and centers, and the absence of clear bridging guidelines affecting student mobility and Kenya's aspiration to become an Education Hub.

The meeting also discussed the pivotal role of collaboration between industries and educational institutions, they emphasized the importance of aligning educational curricula with the evolving needs of various sectors. Strengthening partnerships between academia and industry aims to enhance graduates' employability and facilitate smoother transitions into the workforce.

Moreover, discussions touched upon the significance of regional integration of RPL, which is already in progress to harmonize recognition processes across borders. Aligning RPL standards and practices with those of neighboring countries and regional bodies is crucial for promoting labor market mobility and positioning Kenya competitively in the regional and international education landscape.

As a way forward, KEPSA will facilitate collaboration between the private sector and KNQA to address these issues comprehensively. This collaborative effort aims to leverage the expertise and resources of both sectors to drive meaningful progress in enhancing industry-academia linkages and promoting RPL and its regional integration.