NYOTA PROJECT RPL COMPONENT ISSUES CERTICATES TO BENEFICIARIES ACROSS 47 COUNTIES
NYOTA PROJECT RPL COMPONENT ISSUES CERTICATES TO BENEFICIARIES ACROSS 47 COUNTIES
3,750 youth beneficiaries received RPL certificates
The National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) component has issued 3,750 certificates to youth beneficiaries across 47 counties.
In an event Presided by H.E President William Ruto at State House, the beneficiaries from across 47 counties displayed hope and enthusiasm, terming the milestone a significant step towards unlocking new opportunities and advancing their careers.
RPL, implemented by the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) ensures beneficiaries receive formal certification for skills and knowledge acquired through practical experience, even outside the traditional education system.
Addressing the youth, H.E President William Ruto emphasized the value of practical skills affirming his government’s agenda in empowering the young people with more opportunities.
The President further reiterated that his government is committed to making it easier for skilled people to find job opportunities without the connections of having to know someone.
President Ruto also encouraged the beneficiaries to save through the Project’s Haba Haba saving scheme adding that it will play acritical role in boosting their assets.
“The income from the skill must become savings, and the savings must become your assets...This certificate is not the end of your path. It is the start, use it to find work. No hardworking fundi should be left out.” President Ruto stated.
Cabinet Secretary (CS) for the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, Dr. Alfred Mutua stated that the RPL programme has come at the right time, adding that the graduate beneficiaries are at the forefront for new opportunities created by the government.
Principal Secretary (PS) for the State Department for Labour and Skills Development, Mr Shadrack Mwadime commended the beneficiaries’ commitment to completing the programme and further noted the certificates issued will open bigger doors to the international labour markets.
“A big percentage of the beneficiaries will be able to access the European markets because we have signed bilateral labour agreements with different European countries. They will also be able to access jobs within the economy.” Ps Mwadime said.
Christine Maloba, a beneficiary of the NYOTA Project RPL acknowledged the Project’s role in certifying their skills adding that for the longest time, they were not formally recognized hence it was impossible to get jobs.
Ms. Maloba noted that the beauty industry had been neglected for the longest time, and hairdressers, among other youth working in the jua kali sector had no space to fit in despite having skills to prove it.
“We had skills but no papers to prove it. We could not take loans; we could not employ others with confidence...through Nyota RPL our stories have changed. We have learnt that our stories matter. We have been given back our dignity. Through Haba Haba savings, we have learnt how to save for the future.” Ms Maloba Said.
Another beneficiary, Gideon Cheruiyot, lauded the project’s commitment in recognizing the youth and their diverse skills adding that it will play a huge role in reducing the unemployment rate in the country.
Mr. Cheruiyot further called on the President to create partnerships that will ensure the beneficiaries who received certificates are formally employed and making an honest living.
Other leaders in attendance were Central Organization Trade Union (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli, NITA Chair Mr David Musila, NITA Director General Dr. Rukia Atikia among others.
The RPL component completed assessments for phase one and beneficiaries can also access their examination results through the NITA portal.
The NYOTA Project continues to provide free services to eligible youth aged 18–29 years, and up to 35 years for Persons with Disabilities, through the USSD code *254#.
Applications for all NYOTA components are currently closed.
