Advancing Skills Development and Migration: Fostering Collaboration for Positive Impact in Kenya
Skills development within the context of labour migration
17 July 2023
In pursuit of promoting skills-based migration and addressing crucial aspects of skills development within the context of labour migration, a dedicated Skills Development and Labour Migration Working Group (WG) has been established in Kenya. Organised by the ILO BRMM, the inaugural WG meeting took place in Naivasha, Kenya on November 29-30, 2022, convening 26 participants with extensive experience, knowledge, and active engagement in the skills dimensions of labour migration. The WG serves as a platform for social dialogue and collective action to drive progress in this vital area.
The WG endorsed priority occupations for recognition of prior learning (RPL) in Kenya. Notably, domestic work, welding, and construction emerged as key focal sectors, reflecting the group's commitment to address skills gaps and improve migration outcomes. In addition, specific priority actions for Kenya were proposed, underscoring the necessity for collaboration among various stakeholders, including government ministries, educational institutions, certification bodies, non-governmental organizations, industry representatives, and development partners.
During the meeting, the WG tackled crucial issues related to RPL, emphasizing the need for comprehensive standards in assessing domestic work and welding occupations. While existing RPL standards were in place for welding, the group identified the imperativeness to develop corresponding standards for domestic work, involving a rigorous review and approval process for the domestic work curriculum. Recognizing the significance of coordination, the WG stressed the importance of multi-stakeholder involvement to strengthen RPL assessment tool development and ensure effective implementation.
The Working Group identified several areas that require support and collaborative efforts, including capacity development in assessment tool design, pedagogy, and quality assurance for homecare training institutions. Additionally, it indicated the need to establish a model training centre for domestic work and enhance infrastructure in training institutions focused on construction-related occupations. Knowledge sharing emerged as a crucial aspect, with proposed activities such as exchange visits, peer-to-peer learning, and the harmonisation of qualifications with other countries. The WG also emphasised the importance of skills partnerships in the context of labour migration, which involved leveraging labour market information from labour attaches, incorporating it into bilateral labour agreements and memoranda of understanding with destination countries, and actively engaging with solidarity or diaspora groups to anticipate and benefit from valuable feedback and skills anticipation.
Through collaboration, knowledge exchange, and concrete actions, the Skills Development and Labour Migration Working Group unlocked the full potential of skills development and migration, contributing to positive outcomes for individuals, industries, and economies alike.
The WG endorsed priority occupations for recognition of prior learning (RPL) in Kenya. Notably, domestic work, welding, and construction emerged as key focal sectors, reflecting the group's commitment to address skills gaps and improve migration outcomes. In addition, specific priority actions for Kenya were proposed, underscoring the necessity for collaboration among various stakeholders, including government ministries, educational institutions, certification bodies, non-governmental organizations, industry representatives, and development partners.
During the meeting, the WG tackled crucial issues related to RPL, emphasizing the need for comprehensive standards in assessing domestic work and welding occupations. While existing RPL standards were in place for welding, the group identified the imperativeness to develop corresponding standards for domestic work, involving a rigorous review and approval process for the domestic work curriculum. Recognizing the significance of coordination, the WG stressed the importance of multi-stakeholder involvement to strengthen RPL assessment tool development and ensure effective implementation.
The Working Group identified several areas that require support and collaborative efforts, including capacity development in assessment tool design, pedagogy, and quality assurance for homecare training institutions. Additionally, it indicated the need to establish a model training centre for domestic work and enhance infrastructure in training institutions focused on construction-related occupations. Knowledge sharing emerged as a crucial aspect, with proposed activities such as exchange visits, peer-to-peer learning, and the harmonisation of qualifications with other countries. The WG also emphasised the importance of skills partnerships in the context of labour migration, which involved leveraging labour market information from labour attaches, incorporating it into bilateral labour agreements and memoranda of understanding with destination countries, and actively engaging with solidarity or diaspora groups to anticipate and benefit from valuable feedback and skills anticipation.
Through collaboration, knowledge exchange, and concrete actions, the Skills Development and Labour Migration Working Group unlocked the full potential of skills development and migration, contributing to positive outcomes for individuals, industries, and economies alike.