Kenya's Tourism Fund has launched a program to formally recognize the skills of informal-sector workers in the hospitality and tourism industry, offering them certifications that align with the Kenya National Qualifications Framework. The initiative, part of the Tourism Fund’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program, targets individuals who have gained expertise through on-the-job experience rather than formal education. At the graduation ceremony for cohort 27 at Michuki National Polytechnic, Dr. Lawrence Guantai, Director of Trainer Management at the State Department for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), emphasized that the certification allows beneficiaries to progress within the national qualifications system. "Those who have qualified today have been placed at level three," Guantai stated, noting that further training could enable them to advance to higher levels.
The program, supported by a revolving fund financed through a 2% tourism levy collected from hotels, bars, and restaurants, has already upskilled 9,388 individuals nationwide. At the Michuki event, 159 hospitality and tourism workers received RPL certification, while 24 participants were trained in content creation and 83 hotel managers underwent management training, totaling 266 beneficiaries. Dorcas Mbalanya, a Tourism Fund trustee, highlighted the initiative’s goal to address the gap between practical skills and formal certification, citing examples like mechanics in Nairobi who lack credentials despite their expertise. "The program is open to anyone with existing skills, regardless of age," she said, underscoring its inclusivity.
Michuki National Polytechnic’s Chief Principal, Anne Mbogo, detailed the assessment process, which combines oral, written, and practical evaluations, with 90% of the score based on hands-on demonstrations. Trainees also received training in communication, record-keeping, and technology to adapt to evolving workplace demands. The RPL program, which began partnering with technical institutions in March 2024, has expanded beyond tourism to include fields like electrical work, motor vehicle repair, and ICT. Chef Lina Wanjiru, a graduate of the program, noted that the two-week curriculum updated her skills to meet modern hospitality standards, reflecting the program’s relevance to industry changes.
The initiative aims to enhance the competitiveness of Kenya’s tourism sector by formalizing the qualifications of informal workers, many of whom have been overlooked by traditional education systems. By bridging this gap, the Tourism Fund seeks to improve productivity and employability while recognizing the value of experiential learning. The program’s success underscores a broader effort to integrate informal-sector expertise into national economic frameworks, ensuring workers can advance their careers without relying on formal academic credentials.