Fifty Jua Kali artisans from Siaya on Tuesday became the first batch to enroll for the “Recognition of Prior Learning” (RPL) that seeks to certify skilled workers in the informal sector.
Addressing the artisans, the Principal of the Siaya Institute of technology Daniel Randa said that the Institute was committed to enhancing the capacity of the artisans who were talented in various fields but lacked the necessary papers in line with the government’s policy on Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET).
Randa said that the Institute had signed a memorandum of understanding with both the Siaya county government and the New Siaya town Jua Kali Association to help upgrade their skills with desirable 21st century skill areas that are in demand in the labour market.
“We have developed an RPL policy and curriculum in line with the national government’s that will help the youth in the informal sector with certification in competency areas,” he said.
The Principal said that through the existing MoU, Siaya county government through the Jua Kali Association would meet the tuition costs adding that the success of the first cohort that reported Tuesday would form basis of the next agreement.
Randa called on the beneficiaries of the programme to exhibit seriousness and discipline, adding that the certification would enable them compete effectively in the labour market.
Speaking during the occasion, the Trustee of the new Siaya Jua kali association Benson Nyang’or hailed the government for coming up with the programme.
Nyang’or further hailed the county government for sponsoring the first batch of the trainees and pledged not to disappoint.
The Secretary of the Association Dennis Omondi Apondi lamented that local artisans have missed on several opportunities, including openings in foreign countries due to lack of certificates.
“It has been a challenge to us to get opportunities outside the country for lack of certificates,” he said adding that just recently, Siaya Governor James Orengo announced some openings in Canada but none of the artisans could qualify due to lack of certificates though they had the skills.
Apondi called on all constituencies in the area to support Jua kali artisans acquire the necessary recognition certificates by sponsoring them through RPL in the existing Technical and Vocational Educational institutions.
By Philip Onyango
