Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) has reiterated its commitment to maintain the legitimacy of qualifications awarded in the country and ensure they align with the Kenyan Qualifications Framework to meet the needs of the workforce.
KNQA Director General (DG) Dr. Alice Kande’s said the Authority has worked hard to tackle the issue of fake credentials entering the job market by implementing strong quality assurance measures, a national database of learners’ records, and continuous monitoring.
The Director General was speaking during the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) @ 100 years celebrations held at the Kabete National Polytechnic in Nairobi.
Kande said as they celebrate the 100 years KNQA intends to realign TVET sector so that it can respond to current labour market needs, enhance employability, decent work, entrepreneurship and lifelong learning.
She said the labour market is acutely short of skilled labour but expressed confidence that in the next few years, Kenya will not only be able to satisfy the demand for skilled labour for this country but also send credible skilled personalities beyond the borders.
“With the immense support of the government, we have kept abreast of emerging labour trends. Recently, the Recognition of Prior Learning was successfully launched and a lifelong learning pathway is in place,” said Kande.
She added that the success of recognition for prior learning is an indication that opportunities for upskilling, access to education and employment have been made available.
The DG stated that the 100-year achievement is not a mean fit and urged all stakeholders to continue working together to ensure that TVET remains a driving force for Kenya’s growth, empowerment, and economic growth.
She said the original purpose of the first TVET, known as the Native Industrial Training Depot (NITD) that was started by the settlers was aimed at making the natives who had been categorised as ruralized, only acquire skills in industrial labour and agriculture.
“The settlers had translated the outcome of the NITD as cheap, semi-skilled labour for their farms and industries. This sector has shifted from various faces and roles, and now it proudly stands as a learning factory in Kenya,” said Kande.
The DG said after 100 years, the natives are no longer ruralized but are skilled artisans, electricians, mechanicals, plumbers, and contractors, of which the list gets longer with time, adding that the Authority is proud to have walked this journey with the TVET sector.
By Bernadette Khaduli
