From 2021 to 2025, Re:BUiLD partnered with qualification awarding authorities in Uganda and Kenya to support refugees and vulnerable host community members in accessing employment through formal skills certification.
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Skills certification aimed to help refugees with prior learning and skills to access employment opportunities. Qualification awarding institutions issued certifications in sectors such as mechanics, welding, hairdressing, beauty and cosmetics, masonry, and plumbing. |
Progress to date
In Nairobi, Re:BUiLD partnered with the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) to support clients to get recognition of prior learning through certification of the skills. This enabled certified clients access jobs in respective sectors. The KNQA worked in collaboration with Qualifications Awarding Institutions (QAIs) like NITA, KNEC to issue beneficiaries with certification in fields such as mechanics, welding, hairdressing, beauty masonry, plumbing among others. The clients undergo a process of screening, evaluation and assessment of prior learning and get certified according to their level of competence.
By December 2025, a total number of 106 clients received skill certification services in Nairobi, including 81 refugees and 25 host community members. Through collaboration of various partners including Re:BUiLD , KNQA managed to develop a policy framework on RPL in Kenya which was approved by the Government of Kenya making it easier for refugees and vulnerable host to access certification for their prior skills. During the launch event of the policy by the Deputy President of Kenya 25 (16 males, 9 females, all refugees) Re:BUiLD clients graduated. There was improved employer acceptance and formal job access According to the wage employment survey results, 38% of these clients gained wage employment, with 15% securing formal salaried positions and 49% engaging in self-employment.
In Kampala, through local partners such as Makasi Foundation and Raising Gabdho Foundation, over 900 trainees (around 67% women) attended certified courses, receiving nationally recognized certificates from the Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT)
By December 2025, a total number of 29 clients (5 female, 24 male) received skill certification services, including 12 refugees and 17 host community members. Re:BUiLD partnered with Makerere University and other bodies to validate refugees’ skills in selected areas, clients gaining certificates or accreditation through special assessments.
The details are summarized in the table below:
| Kind of Employment (% Employed) | Nairobi | Kampala |
| Casual Labour | 26% | 0% |
| Other work | 6% | 7% |
| Salaried Job | 15% | 53% |
| Seasonal Job | 4% | 13% |
| Self Employment | 49% | 27% |
Data source: Re:BUiLD Wage Employment survey as of December 2025