Unlock Your Skills! Achieve Your Goals 

The Kenya Water Institute (KEWI) is proud to introduce the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process, an initiative designed to formally recognize the skills and knowledge you have gained through experience, training, or informal education.

This program empowers individuals in the water sector to earn formal qualifications without starting from scratch. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process through which the skills, knowledge, and competencies gained by an individual through work experience, informal training, or life experiences are recognized towards the attainment of a formal qualification or certification. RPL assesses these prior learnings against the standards of a specific qualification within a framework.

The Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) is tasked with coordinating and harmonizing the education, training, assessment, and quality assurance of all qualifications awarded in Kenya, including those recognized through RPL. The KNQF supports the recognition of non-formal and informal learning, making it fundamental to the RPL process.

Registered  Qualifications

The programs under this process are Plumbing and pipefitting and Wastewater management. The RPL program provides numerous benefits, including,

• getting certified for the skills you already possess,
• opening doors to better opportunities and career growth,
• gaining the credentials you need to compete in the industry and
• developing self-esteem.

Key Datelines

The application period is open, the applications deadline is continous and the assessment dates for the process are to be communicated once the maximum number is achieved 

The RPL program is open to practicing plumbers and pipefitters with hands-on experience, practicing wastewater operators with hands-on experience, individuals with informal training or on-the-job learning in plumbing and pipefitting and wastewater operation, and professionals seeking formal recognition to enhance their career prospects.

How it Works

1. Fill the expression of interest form.
2. Submit your application form with evidence of your prior learning, including work experience, training certificates, or portfolios.
3. Our assessors will review your evidence against the qualification standards.
4. Attend the scheduled assessment to demonstrate your skills and knowledge.
5. Successful candidates will receive an accredited KEWI qualification.

To download the application form, visit our website at www.kewi.go.ke and submit the completed form and supporting documents to rpl@kewi.or.ke

Why Choose KEWI?

KEWI is the best choice because its recognized for excellence in water and environmental training and assessment, focused on the skills demanded by employers and our team is composed of experts in plumbing & pipefitting and wastewater management.

Don’t Let Your Skills Go Unnoticed! Apply Today and Get Certified!

Take the next step in your professional journey with KEWI’s RPL process. Whether you are looking to formalize your expertise or advance in your career, this process is your pathway to success.

For assistance or further enquiries, contact the KEWI RPL coordinator, Phone No: 0723137450, or visit any KEWI campus.

Recognition of Prior Learning Success Cases

1. At Murang'a Water and Sanitation Company

We conducted our first first-ever Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) assessment at Murang'a Water and Sanitation Company. 

36 RPL participants from various water utilities, private companies, and individual enterprises were were evaluated by a team of RPL assessors drawn from KEWI, Technical Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA), and industry experts.

The assessment was well organized and aligned with the practical competencies acquired by the candidates in the following areas:

• Operate and maintain water supply distribution networks
• Operate and maintain sewer networks
• Operate and maintain wastewater treatment plants
• Install water supply systems

Sincere appreciation to the Confederation of Danish Industry for subsidizing the RPL assessment fees, and to Murang'a Water and Sanitation Company for providing its facilities as an RPL assessment center.

If you have practical skills in the water sector but lack formal certification, this is your opportunity to have your competencies recognized. Reach out to us and will guide you on how you will be scheduled for the next assessment.

2. At Gatundu Water and Sanitation Company

We successfully conducted the second assessment at Gatundu Water and Sanitation Company Limited reinforcing our commitment to promoting professional competence and certification within the water sector.

The assessment brought together KEWI RPL assessors, industry experts, and a representative from the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) to evaluate candidates based on established competency standards.

Participants were assessed and rated as either competent or not yet competent, ensuring that certified professionals meet industry requirements.

The assessment was highly practical and competency-based, focusing on real-world application of technical skills.

Candidates demonstrated hands-on expertise on repairing leaking pipes within the utility’s network — an exercise that contributed to reducing Non-Revenue Water at the facility. Other practical demonstrations included pipe jointing techniques such as HDPE butt fusion using a butt fusion machine, PVC joint, and PPR fusion jointing techniques.

Candidates were also evaluated on water meter installation and other technical assignments, making the process rigorous and comprehensive.

Candidates presented themselves according to scheduled sessions across three core units of competency which reflect critical technical functions required to enhance efficiency and service delivery within the water sector.:

• Operate and maintain water supply distribution network – 53 candidates assessed
• Operate and maintain water treatment infrastructure – 6 candidates assessed
• Install water supply systems – 54 candidates assessed

They installed a water supply system to the utility newly acquired offices washrooms which are currently flashable. Before the assessment, washroom users were carrying water from a tank with a bucket to the toilet.

We express our appreciation to Gatundu Water and Sanitation Company Limited for providing its facilities and supporting the exercise by serving as an RPL assessment center. Such partnerships play a vital role in strengthening industry capacity and promoting professional standards across the sector. 

As part of our ongoing mandate, we continue to encourage skilled professionals in plumbing and pipe fitting, water supply operations, wastewater management, and irrigation scheme operations who lack formal certification to take advantage of the Recognition of Prior Learning programme. The initiative provides an opportunity for experienced practitioners too to gain formal recognition of their competencies and advance their careers.

Interested individuals are encouraged to contact us for guidance and scheduling of upcoming assessments.