Francis Atwoli Advocates for Recognition of Skills Earned Through Practice in Kenya’s Labour Market
Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli champions the acknowledgment of practical experience skills following the incident involving Brian Mwenda.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) denounced Mwenda’s legal practice, accusing him of operating under another attorney’s credentials. An assertion from the LSK Nairobi branch stated that Mwenda’s professional records were nowhere to be found in the lawyers’ directory.
In a bold response on Friday, October 13, Atwoli highlighted the rich reservoir of skills within the Kenyan populace, acquired through unconventional pathways.
“Brian Njagi’s scenario brings to light pressing concerns about the openness and inclusivity of professions in Kenya. Despite their remarkable capabilities, these individuals often face exclusion from formal sector opportunities due to a system heavily tilted towards conventional educational qualifications”
Atwoli remarked.
Atwoli recognized the wealth of skilled and talented youth in Kenya whose expertise stems from hands-on experience, self-education, and informal education routes.He urged the Kenyan government to seize this moment to implement Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in Kenya, a validated approach to acknowledging various learning routes of citizens, and to unlock the potential of untapped talents propelling the nation forward.
Brian Mwenda’s adept representation of clients, including ex-Mungiki chief Maina Njenga, showcased his substantial expertise and experience.
Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko lauded Mwenda’s performance despite lacking a formal law degree. Moved by his abilities, Sonko pledged to sponsor Mwenda’s legal education at the Kenya School of Law.
"I'll support this comrade, ensuring his enrollment at the Kenya School of Law, should finances be an obstacle. Here's a man who, without any formal legal education or Kenya School of Law attendance, impersonated an advocate with a convincing act," Sonko shared on Twitter.This unfolding narrative underscores a broader conversation on valorizing practical skills against formal education in Kenya’s professional realm.