The Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) has recognized and awarded certificates to some of the recently accredited Qualifications Awarding Institutions that have registered their National Qualifications into the Kenya National Qualifications Framework.
Labour and Social Protection CS Simon Chelugui said acquisition of relevant skills was one of the key drivers of change and development and as his ministry prepared for the future, it would recognise the global drivers of change that have a direct bearing on skills development.
Speaking at a Nairobi hotel during a breakfast meeting to recognise registration of national qualification into the KNQA, Chelugui said the government in collaboration with its partners was working to ensure that the Authority achieves a globally competitive quality education, research, and training for sustainable development as envisioned in Kenya’s Vision 2030.
The CS said over the years, employers have raised concerns about the quality of graduands from various training institutions not having employable skills.
“The quality of education and training in a country is crucial in the production of a competent workforce and for the workforce to remain employable, agile and resilient in the context of change, they will need a combination of different types of skills,” he said.
At the same time, Chelugui said the government remained cognizant of the need to foster a globally competitive, responsive and adaptive work force through skills development programmes that adequately respond to the current and future skills demands of the industry.
In his remarks, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Chief Administrative Secretary Hassan Noor Hassan stated that stakeholders in the education sector and various industries need to come together to consult on the market forces that would guide institutions in developing their curriculum in alignment with the global education reforms of qualifications framework.
Noor announced that the Ministry of Education was working closely with all stakeholders to ensure that after completion of their courses, learners have the relevant skills needed in the job market.
“The Ministry of Education is responsible for national policies and programmes that help Kenyans access quality and affordable school education, post-school, higher education and academic research,” he said.
Speaking at the same event, the Kenya National Qualification Authority Council Chairman Dr. Kilemi Mwiria said the organization is closely working with employers and other industry players to ensure that all qualifications awarded in the country meet both the employer and national standards expectations.
Dr. Kilemi said during the launch of the Competence Based Curriculum education system in the country, the Authority called for better planning, involvement of all stakeholders and adequate funding to ensure a smooth and seamless transition to the new education system.
“KNQA is also working on national policies that will support the assessment and examination under the system as set out in the law,” he added.
By Hamdi Mohamud
