The National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), in collaboration with the National Youth Opportunities and Transformation Agenda (NYOTA), has launched a free training initiative targeting young people in eight selected counties.
The programme focuses on Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), a structured process that validates skills and experience gained outside formal education.
“NITA is currently undertaking RPL awareness for the first phase counties for youth to be able to understand the RPL process, benefits & requirements,” read part of the Nyota statement.
According to NITA, the first phase of the roll-out involves RPL awareness campaigns in eight key counties to ensure youths understand the process, its benefits, and the requirements for certification.
The selected counties include.
- Kakamega
- Nairobi
- Machakos
- Kisumu
- Garissa
- Mombasa
- Murang’a
- Uasin Gishu
NITA highlights the RPL process flow
The awareness sessions are designed to equip participants with clear information on how to navigate the RPL system and secure formal recognition of their skills.
The RPL process follows a detailed flow that begins with awareness generation, where candidates learn about the programme and its advantages.
This is followed by consulting and facilitation, during which a facilitator engages with each candidate to explain the procedure and evaluate their suitability for a specific qualification.
Candidates found suitable proceed to the application submission stage, where they present an application supported by evidence or a portfolio of work.
Those who do not meet the requirements at this stage are referred to skills gap training or are given the option to appeal.
Application submission stage
Next is the assessment and interview stage. Here, an assessor reviews the submitted portfolio and interviews to further verify the candidate’s competencies.
Candidates who qualify move on to preparation for the final assessment, guided by the assessor to ensure they meet the required standards.
The final NITA assessment involves a thorough evaluation of the candidate’s skills against industry standards.
Also Read: NYOTA Selects 110,000 Kenyans to Receive Ksh50K Each, Outlines Next Steps
Successful applicants then receive official certification, formally acknowledging their prior learning and experience.
Candidates who fail at any point are given feedback on their gaps and directed to retraining or mentoring opportunities to help them qualify in the future.
Why the RPL initiative
NITA officials emphasise that the RPL initiative aims to recognise informal skills acquired through work experience, self-employment, or community projects.
By certifying these abilities, the programme opens up opportunities for employment, career advancement, and entrepreneurship for youths who may not have formal academic credentials.
NYOTA representatives added that the free training will particularly benefit young people in the first-phase counties, enabling them to gain nationally recognised qualifications without the cost of conventional training.
Eligibility criteria and how to apply
Here’s how youth can register and qualify:
Also Read: NYOTA Issues Mandatory Notice to Successful Applicants
- Be aged 18–29 years (or up to 35 years for persons with disabilities).
- Have an education level at or below Form 4.
- Be unemployed, underemployed, or in low-income employment.
- Kenyan citizen.
- Possess a National Identity Card.
- SIM cards are registered in your name, matching your National ID.
How to Apply / Register
- Via USSD code: Dial *254#, select the NYOTA Project option, then follow prompts to complete your application.
- Assistance from County or Sub-County Youth Development Offices, or from MSEA County Offices.
- Applications are free; no registration fees are required.
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