Programme Progress
The Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA), in partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), has reached a major milestone in the implementation of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programme for forcibly displaced persons (FDPs) and host communities in Kakuma.
Major Milestone Achieved
Following the successful completion of awareness creation, expression of interest, pre-screening, screening, and career guidance and counselling, the programme has progressed to the Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) Assessment phase, conducted from 8th to 15th July 2026.
6,500+
Potential candidates reached across Kakuma and Dadaab.
1,600+
Candidates successfully screened and prepared for assessment.
1,200
Candidates targeted during the current assessment exercise.
The initiative has so far reached over 6,500 potential candidates across Kakuma and Dadaab, with more than 1,600 candidates successfully screened and prepared for assessment. The current exercise targets at least 1,200 candidates, reinforcing Kenya’s commitment to inclusive skills recognition, lifelong learning, and socio-economic empowerment.
KNQA’s Role
Representing the KNQA was Dr. Peter Wekesa who briefed the Head of the UNHCR Kakuma Office, Mr. Sateesh Naduri, and Ms. Akaran Napakiro, UNHCR Associate Field Officer, on the progress of the programme. He emphasized that KNQA’s role is to provide national coordination, policy oversight, and quality assurance by ensuring that the designated Qualification Awarding Bodies, Kitale National Polytechnic, Nyeri National Polytechnic, and Kenya Red Cross Training Institute (KRCTI), conduct the Portfolio of Evidence assessments in full compliance with the RPL Policy Framework and the KNQF.
KNQA continues to safeguard the integrity and national recognition of qualifications awarded under the programme, with successful candidates’ qualifications being uploaded to the Kenya National Qualifications Database.
Mr. Naduri commended KNQA for developing a robust and internationally benchmarked RPL framework that promotes equity, inclusion, recognition, and access to nationally recognized qualifications. He observed that the recognition and certification of skills and competencies, regardless of when, where, or how they were acquired, reflects global best practice and provides a transformative pathway for education, employment, progression, and self-reliance.
Shared Commitment
The engagement reaffirmed the shared commitment of KNQA, UNHCR, the Department of Refugee Services, Qualification Awarding Bodies, and other partners to strengthening inclusive qualifications systems that unlock the potential of forcibly displaced persons and host communities, while contributing to Kenya’s broader socio-economic development agenda.
