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| President William Ruto. |
Ruto Launches Free Artisan Certification Programme to Expand Employment Opportunities
The government has unveiled a nationwide artisan certification programme that will enable thousands of skilled workers to obtain formal qualifications at no cost, in a move aimed at increasing employment opportunities and strengthening Kenya's growing construction industry.
President William Ruto announced the initiative, saying the programme is designed to recognize individuals who possess practical skills but have never acquired formal certification.
The government will fully finance the certification process through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) framework, enabling experienced workers to receive nationally recognized qualifications without returning to conventional classroom training.
The programme targets workers in various technical trades, including masonry, carpentry, plumbing, electrical installation, welding, painting, tiling, steel fixing and mechanical services.
These occupations have become increasingly important as Kenya continues implementing major infrastructure and affordable housing projects across the country.
According to the President, the certification initiative seeks to bridge the gap between practical experience and formal qualifications.
Many artisans have acquired valuable skills through years of hands-on work but remain disadvantaged when applying for jobs or government contracts because they lack recognized certificates.
The new programme is expected to change that by validating existing competencies through structured assessments rather than requiring artisans to undergo lengthy training programmes.
Once assessed successfully, participants will receive certificates recognized nationally, making them more competitive in the labour market.
The affordable housing programme remains one of the government's flagship projects under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), with thousands of housing units under construction in different parts of the country.
As these projects continue to expand, demand for qualified artisans is expected to rise significantly, creating more employment opportunities for certified workers.
Beyond employment in housing projects, the certification programme is expected to improve the earning potential of artisans by enhancing their professional credibility.
Certified workers will also find it easier to access formal employment, compete for construction contracts and pursue additional technical qualifications in the future.
The initiative also reflects the government's broader strategy of promoting technical and vocational skills as a key driver of economic growth.
By recognizing skills acquired outside formal education, the programme acknowledges the important role played by Kenya's informal sector in developing a highly skilled workforce.
Experts have long argued that recognizing prior learning can help reduce unemployment by allowing experienced workers to compete fairly in both local and international labour markets.
Formal certification is also expected to improve adherence to professional standards, workplace safety and quality assurance across the construction industry.
The programme is expected to benefit thousands of artisans across all counties as registration and assessment processes are rolled out through designated government channels.
Eligible applicants will undergo competency assessments before receiving their certificates, with the government covering all associated costs.
The launch of the free artisan certification programme marks a significant step in empowering Kenya's skilled workforce.
By providing formal recognition to experienced artisans, the initiative is expected to unlock new employment opportunities, raise income levels and support the successful implementation of affordable housing and other national development projects.
Ruto Launches Free Artisan Certification Programme to Boost Jobs in Kenya's Housing Sector