Base Titanium and NITA partner to recognize skilled workers in Kwale

HUSSEIN ABDULLAHI- KNA 

The Government, in collaboration with the Kwale-based Australian mining firm Base Titanium, has intensified efforts to promote the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program.

The mining company recently celebrated the success of 120 employees who completed the RPL program and were formally assessed by the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA).

The RPL program, previously known as Accreditation of Prior Learning, validates and recognizes the skills, knowledge, and competencies individuals have acquired through formal and informal experiences.

It provides a path way for attaining formal qualifications or certifications based on work experience, informal training, or life achievements. Mining Principal Secretary (PS) Elijah Mwangi presided over a vibrant graduation and certification ceremony at Base Titanium’s site in Kwale County.

During the event,120 highly trained professionals were awarded certificates, marking a significant milestone under Base Titanium’s Training and Skills Development (TSD) Program. PS Mwangi praised the achievement, attributing it to years of intensive hands-on training across diverse fields. 

He emphasized the critical role of skills recognition and training in driving industry growth and con tributing to the nation’s development.

Mwangi said under the transformative program which is supported by NITA and approved by the Kenya National Qualification Authority (KNQA), the graduands drawn from the local community acquired critical skills in carpentry, welding, security supervisory roles, rigging, rubber-lining and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) piping.

“All the 120 cohort now possesses requisite documentation that is com mensurate with their competencies and skills and therefore their skills, experiences and diverse competencies makesthem ready to apply their knowledge in various ca pacities of nation-build ing,” Mwangi said.

The PS stated that ac cording to the Mining Act Cap 309, a key require ment for granting a min ing license to an investor is the guarantee that the critical component of training, capacity-build ing and skills-transfer to workers and the qualified community members must be adhered to.

He emphasized the im portance of skills develop ment in the mining sector and its role in the nation’s growth.

Mwangi said the RPL program by the mining company will strengthen the local workforce, empowering them with the skills and knowledge needed to drive the future of the country’s mining industry.