TENP, Tindiret TVC Seal Landmark RPL Deal in Major Boost for Skills Recognition
The The Eldoret National Polytechnic (TENP) has strengthened its position as a leading institution in competency-based training and skills certification following the signing of a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Memorandum of Understanding with Tindiret Technical and Vocational College during a high-level benchmarking visit held on Wednesday, May 21, 2026.
The partnership, which was formalized at TENP’s main campus in Eldoret, marks another significant milestone in the expansion of Recognition of Prior Learning programmes aimed at providing formal certification to individuals who have acquired practical skills and competencies outside the traditional education system.Education
The Tindiret TVC delegation, led by Principal Mr. Patrick Tororei, was received by TENP Chief Principal Dr. Charles Koech OGW alongside members of the institution’s senior management team and officials coordinating the implementation of RPL programmes.
Through the newly signed agreement, Tindiret TVC has officially been accredited as an RPL Assessment Centre under TENP, allowing the institution to assess and support candidates seeking formal recognition of skills acquired through work experience, apprenticeship, self-learning, and informal sector engagement.
The move is expected to create more opportunities for artisans, technicians, and skilled workers who may not possess academic certificates despite having years of practical experience in various technical fields.
Speaking during the event, Dr. Koech described the partnership as a major step toward promoting inclusive education and strengthening competency-based assessment systems in the country.
He noted that Recognition of Prior Learning has emerged as one of the most transformative approaches within the Technical and Vocational Education and Training sector by acknowledging that learning does not only happen in classrooms but also in workplaces and communities.
“Many Kenyans possess valuable technical skills acquired through years of practical experience, yet they remain disadvantaged because they lack formal certification. Recognition of Prior Learning provides them with an opportunity to have their competencies assessed, validated, and formally recognized,” said Dr. Koech.
He further stated that the collaboration between TENP and Tindiret TVC would help widen access to certification opportunities while ensuring quality assurance and credibility throughout the assessment process.
According to Dr. Koech, TENP remains committed to supporting partner institutions through mentorship, technical guidance, capacity building, and monitoring mechanisms to guarantee that RPL implementation meets national training and assessment standards.
Under the arrangement, successful candidates assessed at Tindiret TVC will receive certificates awarded by TENP, further enhancing their employability, career mobility, and access to advanced training opportunities.
The Chief Principal also emphasized that the initiative aligns with the government’s broader agenda of promoting skills development, youth empowerment, and industrial growth through competency-based education and training.Education
Mr. Patrick Tororei, Principal of Tindiret TVC, commended TENP for its leadership in advancing RPL programmes and creating opportunities for institutions to collaborate in expanding access to technical certification.
He said the benchmarking visit offered an important learning opportunity for his institution, especially in understanding best practices in the implementation of Recognition of Prior Learning frameworks, candidate assessment procedures, and quality assurance standards.
Tororei expressed confidence that the partnership would significantly benefit skilled workers within the region, particularly those in the informal sector who often face barriers in accessing employment opportunities due to lack of recognized qualifications.
“This collaboration will help many skilled individuals gain the recognition they deserve and improve their chances in the job market. It is a major breakthrough for technical training and skills empowerment,” he noted.
The engagement also provided a platform for discussions on strengthening institutional collaboration, improving assessment systems, and enhancing the credibility of competency-based certification in the TVET sector.
Officials present during the signing ceremony included Deputy Principal Administration Mr. Paul Seurey, Deputy Principal Academics Ms. Peninnah Ogutu, RPL Coordinator Mr. Albert Odula, and Deputy RPL Coordinator Mr. Raymond Limo, all of whom reiterated the institution’s commitment to supporting successful implementation of the programme.
Stakeholders at the forum underscored the growing importance of Recognition of Prior Learning in addressing unemployment and bridging the gap between existing skills and formal qualifications.
They observed that many individuals working in sectors such as construction, automotive engineering, hospitality, tailoring, electrical installation, welding, and information technology possess marketable competencies but are often locked out of employment opportunities because they lack academic papers.
Through RPL, such individuals can now undergo structured assessments to demonstrate their competencies and obtain nationally recognized certification without necessarily returning to conventional classroom learning.
The partnership further cements TENP’s growing reputation as a regional leader in technical training, innovation, and qualification assessment, while reinforcing efforts to make technical education more accessible, inclusive, and responsive to industry needs.
Education stakeholders believe that expanding RPL centres across the country will play a critical role in enhancing workforce productivity, improving employability, and supporting Kenya’s long-term economic transformation agenda through recognition of practical skills and lifelong learning.