The Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) announced strong support Friday for Brian Mwenda Njagi, a man who has been practicing law in Kenya without formal legal qualifications.
COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli said in a press statement that the prominent labor union “firmly believes in the principle of Recognition of Prior Learning,” which values skills, knowledge and competencies individuals acquire outside of traditional education.
Atwoli said Njagi’s unique case raises “critical questions” about equal access to professional opportunities in Kenya, regardless of educational background. He advocated for fair, transparent testing to examine Njagi’s practical abilities as a lawyer, citing Njagi’s reported success representing clients in legal proceedings.
“If, indeed, it’s true that Brian has been practicing law and successfully representing clients in legal matters, we strongly advocate for a fair and transparent examination to test his knowledge, skills, and competencies in the field of law,” Atwoli said.
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Atwoli acknowledged Kenya is home to many talented youth who have not had access to traditional higher education but have still acquired expertise through independent study, hands-on experience and non-formal learning pathways.
“Despite their outstanding abilities, these individuals often find themselves excluded from opportunities in the formal sector because the system typically prioritizes qualifications from traditional learning pathways over practical skills,” Atwoli said.
The COTU leader offered his full support to help Njagi in his pursuit of a legal career, saying the labor union is “available and ready to support him to ensure that his dreams are actualized.”
The COTU statement of solidarity comes after Njagi faced public condemnation for practicing law without a university degree, sparking heated debate in Kenya about recognizing skills gained outside of traditional schooling.
Atwoli said he knows of many experts across fields like engineering, accounting and information technology who have honed their craft through non-traditional means but struggle to get jobs without degrees.
The labor chief called on the Kenyan government to use this case as an opportunity to implement formal recognition of prior learning policies to “harness the untapped talents that can drive our nation forward.”
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