The government and stakeholders in Kenya’s construction sector have been urged to recognize skilled artisans who acquired their expertise through informal training but lack formal certificates.
The call was made during a two-day Modern Skilled Artisan Workshop organized by Sifa FM at the Taita Taveta National Polytechnic (TTNP). The workshop brought together artisans from different construction fields to enhance their skills and equip them with knowledge of modern construction methods, technologies and products.
In a speech delivered on his behalf by the Director of Administration in the Department of Labour, Mike Kimoko, Labour Principal Secretary Shadrack Mwadime said modern artisans must continuously acquire new skills to keep pace with technological advancement.
Mwadime commended Sifa FM for going beyond its traditional role of providing news and entertainment to supporting community empowerment through skills development and said the government recognizes the important role played by artisans in the construction sector and in the country’s economic development.
According to Mwadime, although some artisans have acquired training through various institutions, a large number gained their skills through apprenticeship and learning from experienced colleagues. As a result, many lack formal certificates to prove their competence.
He said skills acquired through informal systems have often not been formally assessed or recognized and urged artisans to take advantage of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) system, which allows individuals to have skills and competencies gained through previous experience assessed and certified.
“The skills of artisans will be recognized like those of people who trained through formal institutions through the RPL system, enabling them to obtain certificates,” he said.
He also encouraged artisans attending the workshop to upgrade their knowledge and skills in line with modern technology and construction practices rather than relying solely on traditional methods.
Speaking during the workshop, Taita Taveta Deputy Governor Christine Kilalo praised the initiative for bringing together artisans and key stakeholders in the construction industry to address challenges affecting the sector.
Kilalo urged young people to enroll in Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) to acquire skills that can enable them to create employment for themselves and compete effectively in the labour market and added that the county government recognizes the construction sector as an important driver of development and economic growth.
“We recognize and appreciate the work you are doing. One way of supporting you is by providing an opportunity for you to obtain certification through the RPL system,” Kilalo said.
Meanwhile, Transworld Kenya and Sifa FM Stations Executive Director Dr. Njoki Chege said the partnership was aimed at helping artisans obtain recognized certificates, improve their employment and business opportunities, and gain knowledge of modern construction practices.
“As Sifa FM, we have decided to move beyond the airwaves and reach our listeners who are artisans so that we can support them in acquiring skills,” Dr. Njoki said.
Dr. Njoki emphasized the importance of continuous learning, saying additional training would help artisans compete for customers, expand their markets and secure better remuneration.
“Once you acquire skills and improve your capacity, you can expand your market and receive better pay for your expertise,” she said.
Taita Taveta National Polytechnic Principal Fondo Kalama said the workshop was designed to identify and recognize artisans’ existing competencies and enable them to obtain certification through the RPL system.
Kalama said Kenya was moving in the right direction by formally recognizing skills acquired outside traditional learning institutions.
He noted that TTNP is accredited to assess and issue certification under the RPL system, allowing experienced artisans to have their competencies formally recognized and thanked Sifa FM for identifying TTNP as a partner in providing artisans with an opportunity to have their skills assessed and certified.
The two-day workshop brought together artisans from various construction-related fields for training on modern construction techniques and exposure to contemporary building products.
Companies and organizations that participated in the workshop and showcased their products and services included Tarmal Steel, Muthokiinju Paints, Sky Mabati, NITA, NCA, East Africa Cables, Plascon Paints, Royal Mabati, Serava and Bosch, among others.
The initiative is expected to strengthen collaboration between artisans, training institutions, government agencies and players in the construction industry while promoting the recognition of skills acquired through practical experience.
