Harnessing RPL and NFQ for quality and relevance in TVET Education in Kenya

• In Event: Global perspectives on educator training for TVET: a multi-organizational discourse

Proposal

This paper's presenter, a seasoned TVET educator from a National Polytechnic in Kenya, is playing a pivotal role in an institutional transition towards Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET). The presenter has navigated numerous challenges, innovatively deploying Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and integrating Kenya's National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) to assure quality and relevance in TVET delivery.

The presenter will delve into how these mechanisms have been instrumental in addressing the dynamic demands of the Kenyan labor market and meeting the wider societal needs. The presenter will shed light on how RPL has acknowledged and validated the skills and competencies individuals acquire outside formal education settings, fostering an inclusive TVET ecosystem that empowers and motivates learners.

Simultaneously, the presenter will elaborate on the crucial role of NFQ in providing a structured system of certification that is transparent, credible, and globally recognizable. The paper will share insights on how Kabete National Polytechnic's alignment with NFQ has facilitated coherent progression pathways and permeability across different levels and fields of learning.

In line with the conference's theme, the presenter will also highlight the transformative power of various collaborations that have helped shape the CBET implementation, demonstrating how the local and international voices can work together to foster a TVET system that is more equitable, innovative, and adaptive.

Through this presentation, the presenter aims to provide a multifaceted dialogue around TVET education in Kenya, offering rich insights that could inspire a collective action towards creating a more robust, responsive, and inclusive global TVET landscape.

Author

• Ephantus Mugo, Kabete National polytechnic