New Bill Introduces Formal Certificates for Informal Education
In an effort to promote the Juakali industry, Joshua Odongo Oron, the MP for Kisumu Central, wants Kenyans who acquire knowledge and skills outside of formal education to be permitted to apply for formal certificates.
On Friday, October 6, Oron presented the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Act of 2023 to the National Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committee.
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According to the MP, the bill enables informal learners with valued skills to obtain a Prior Learning (PL) certificate in the TVET subsector that is nationally recognized.
If the House accepts this recommendation, Kenyans in the Jua Kali sector will be more competitive on the job market and generate more revenue for the country.
MPs also proposed amending the Industrial Training Act to establish a system and framework for evaluating and certifying individuals who have acquired skills through informal training.
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The Technical and Vocational Education and Training Bill, 2023, is one of the legislative proposals the Budget and Appropriations Committee of the National Assembly wants approved because it does not require Treasury funding.
“We are contemplating bills that will not strain the Treasury. “The simpler it is, the better,” said Mary Emaase, a member of parliament for Teso South.
The Budget Committee members emphasized that they would prioritize legislation aimed at generating revenue.
Juakali, which loosely translates to “hot sun,” alludes to a thriving artisan sector in Kenya and is an effective way to promote self-employment.
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Compared to many formal careers, entry requirements are minimal for this industry. It values curiosity and on-the-job training-acquired skills.
This industry encompasses major skills such as craftsmanship, bead decorations, vehicle repair, furniture making, shoe repair, manufacturing metallic boxes and culinary items, designing and repairing clothing, and pottery.
According to a Statista.com study, 15.96 million Kenyans, or 83% of the nation’s total population, will work in the informal sector by the end of 2022.
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New Bill Introduces Formal Certificates for Informal Education