New Certification Scheme Helps Kenyan Artisans Gain Official Qualifications
Nairobi, 24 July 2026
Kenya’s ‘Form ni Beta’ initiative enables informal artisans to secure official qualifications through prior learning recognition, boosting incomes and formalising practical skills without academic degrees.
Understanding Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
The ‘Form ni Beta’ initiative is designed to bridge the gap between informal experience and formal education in Kenya. Through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) framework, skilled workers who have spent years mastering their crafts can now obtain official, state-recognised qualifications [1][GPT]. This system values practical competency over traditional classroom hours, ensuring that an artisan’s expertise is formally validated [1][GPT]. By doing so, the programme aims to elevate the economic standing of informal workers, allowing them to transition from subsistence-level operations into competitive, registered businesses [1][2].
Who is Eligible for the Programme?
The eligibility criteria for the Form ni Beta RPL programme are highly inclusive, targeting informal artisans and skilled workers across Kenya, including those living in refugee-hosting areas [GPT]. The primary requirement is demonstrated hands-on experience in a specific trade, such as carpentry, tailoring, welding, or automotive mechanics [3][GPT]. Because the programme focuses on practical talent, applicants do not need traditional academic certificates or degrees to qualify for admission [1][GPT].
How to Access the Service and Apply
To apply for certification, candidates must register through the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) portal or visit participating national polytechnics and vocational training centres [GPT]. The application process requires candidates to fill out an RPL self-assessment form, submit proof of prior work experience—such as reference letters, photos of completed projects, or client testimonials—and pay a regulated assessment fee [GPT]. Once registered, candidates are assigned to a certified assessor who guides them through the practical evaluation process [GPT].
The Economic Impact for Kenyan Artisans
Securing an official qualification through Form ni Beta unlocks significant economic advantages. Certified artisans gain the legal credentials required to bid for lucrative government tenders, access formal credit from financial institutions, and secure employment in the formal sector [1][GPT]. This formalisation process empowers individual workers, transforming small informal workshops into thriving enterprises that generate local employment, foster technical innovation, and contribute directly to Kenya’s broader economic growth [1][4].