NAIROBI – In a major initiative to formalize Kenya's skilled trades, President William Ruto awarded certificates to 3,727 artisans at a State House ceremony on Thursday, October 8. The event also marked the official launch of the Fundi Locator, a government-run digital platform designed to connect these newly recognized professionals with customers and employment opportunities across the nation.

The dual initiative aims to provide formal credentials to skilled workers who gained their expertise through on-the-job experience rather than in a classroom, while simultaneously creating a centralized marketplace for their services. The move is part of a broader government strategy to integrate the informal sector into the formal economy and improve access to verified skilled labor.

Formalizing Skills Through Prior Learning Recognition

The artisans received their credentials under the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program, administered by the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA). According to a report from Capital FM, the program specifically targets workers who have gained practical skills through experience, apprenticeships, and informal training but lack formal qualifications to demonstrate their competencies. The goal is to enhance their access to employment and allow them to compete more effectively in the labor market.

During the ceremony, President Ruto highlighted the long-overlooked contributions of these workers. "You built our houses without certificates," he noted, acknowledging that carpenters, welders, mechanics, and plumbers have kept the country running for years without formal recognition of their skills. The certification covers 48 different trades, including masonry, electrical work, and plumbing.

The cohort of newly certified professionals was drawn from all 47 counties and included 2,166 men and 1,561 women, according to NITA Director General Rukia Atikiya. Among the women certified were 17 in masonry, 46 in plumbing, and 15 in light vehicle mechanics, as reported by Mjengo Hub.

Introducing the Fundi Locator: Bridging Artisans and Customers

Launched concurrently with the certifications, the Fundi Locator portal aims to modernize how skilled labor is sourced in Kenya. President Ruto described the platform's goal as moving job access "from connections to connectivity," creating a transparent and accessible digital marketplace. The portal is designed to make proven competence visible to employers and customers anywhere in the country.

The Fundi Locator is part of the larger National Vocational Training Platform (NVTP) and falls under the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) programme. This places the initiative within a wider government framework that includes the State Department for Labour and Skills Development and the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), signaling a coordinated effort to support the skilled trades sector.

How to Use the Fundi Locator Portal

The new platform offers distinct features for artisans seeking to market their skills and for customers looking to hire trusted professionals. It streamlines the entire process from discovery to booking within a single system.

For Artisans: Creating a Professional Profile

Skilled workers can register on the portal with a national identity document and a valid phone number. The process involves creating a detailed profile that lists their specific trade, years of experience, and the geographical areas they serve. While not mandatory, artisans are encouraged to upload their new RPL certificates, photos of completed jobs, and professional references to strengthen their profiles. Once submitted, profiles undergo a credentials check before going live. According to information on the app's public listing, artisans who are successfully verified earn a trusted "NVTP verified badge" that helps them stand out in search results and win more bookings. The platform also includes a professional dashboard for artisans to manage their profiles, handle booking requests, and communicate with clients.

For Customers: Finding and Hiring a Verified Fundi

For individuals and businesses needing skilled services, the portal offers a simple way to find qualified workers. Customers can search by trade category, county, or even a specific artisan's name. The platform allows users to compare full professional profiles, which include details on skills, experience, location, certifications, and customer ratings. This enables an informed decision-making process based on verified credentials and peer reviews, rather than relying solely on word-of-mouth. Once a suitable professional is identified, customers can book them directly through the portal by selecting a time, providing job details, and submitting the request. The entire communication and booking process is managed within the platform.

Next Steps for Kenya's Skilled Trades Sector

The immediate next step for the Kenyan government's initiative is the widespread adoption and active utilization of the Fundi Locator portal by both the newly certified artisans and the public seeking their services. The success of this formalization effort now depends on the platform's ability to become a trusted and primary tool for sourcing skilled labor, shifting the market away from informal networks.

Progress will be determined by the platform's uptake in the coming months. The key measurable indicator will be the increased registration of certified artisans and a growing number of customer searches and bookings through the Fundi Locator platform, demonstrating a tangible shift in how skilled work is found and valued in Kenya.

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