One hundred and twenty workers in the informal sector employed by Base Titanium have been certified by the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) under the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programme.
The workers celebrated their graduation during a vibrant ceremony, officiated by Mining Principal Secretary, Elijah Mwangi, held at the Kwale mining site in Msambweni, Kwale county.
The group is the second cohort to undergo the programme where they received training in a variety of technical and professional skills, including rubber lining, welding, motor vehicle maintenance, security, and leadership among others.
Speaking during the event, Mwangi praised the workers, stating that the certification is a testament to their resilience and dedication to their work.
“It is not just a simple graduation but a solid testimony to the commitment to excellence in skills acquisition,” he said.
The PS said that the skills acquired through the programme will benefit the workers beyond their roles at the mine, especially as Base Titanium is expected to wind up its operations in December.
Mwangi noted that the RPL programme is a crucial initiative to acknowledge, validate, and reward skills and experiences acquired outside formal education systems.
He encouraged the graduates to advance their education to diploma level, stressing that the certificates serve as a stepping stone for further learning.
“I challenge the graduates to embrace entrepreneurship rather than waiting for employment opportunities and to continue with their education to build successful careers,” he said.
NITA Chair Aden Noor Ali said they are committed to strengthening collaboration with key industry players to improve industrial training.
Base Titanium Operations Manager Denham Vickers said that the company adopted the RPL policy to recognize the practical skills gained through years of dedicated service.
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He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to creating pathways for career advancement and improving the employability of its workforce.
“As we move towards the closure of the mine in December, we recognize the value we have created beyond operations,” he said.
Vickers said that the company is eager to contribute to the country’s broader economic and industrial landscape.
He added that the skills of the graduates, now formally recognized, will open doors to investment opportunities across the country and beyond.
By Shaban Omar
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