Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu has commended the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) for the progress it has made to date in ensuring that Kenya has foolproof qualifications that are relevant, globally competitive, and portable and allow for mobility of labour and skills across the globe.
Machogu noted that the undertaking has taken a lot of combined sacrifices, adding that the move is to ensure the National Qualifications Framework is fully implemented.
The remarks were contained in a speech read on his behalf by Principal Secretary State Department for TVET, Dr. Esther Muoria, during the inauguration of a 10-member KNQA Council chaired by former Baringo Governor Stanley Kiptis.
The new Council members include: representative of the Principal Secretary, Technical Vocation, Education, and Training, Mr. Joseph Kanyi; representative of the Principal Secretary, The National Treasury, Isaiah Ochelle; representative of the Principal Secretary, Basic/Early Learning, Ms. Everlyn Owoko; representative of the Commission for University Education (CUE), Prof. Mike Kuria; representative of TVETA, Dr. Kipkurui Langa’t; and representative of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU), Mr. Collins Oyuu, who is also KNUT Secretary General.
Others include the Representative of the Principal Secretary, Ministry of Labour, Eng. Stephen Ogenga; the Representative of the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE), Ms. Jacqueline Mugo; and Mr. Michael Muturi, representing the Inspector General of State Corporations.
“Today is not just any other day, but an opportune moment to commit to the cause of effectively implementing the Kenya National Qualifications Framework (KNQF),” said Machogu.
On her part, Dr. Muoria disclosed that the government is on course with the implementation of key reforms in the education and training sectors in the endeavour to enhance relevance, equity, and access to education and ultimately lead to decent employment and decent living.
The PS voiced that the ongoing implementation of CBC and CBET implies that KNQA should walk ahead of the pack in ensuring that all qualifications are properly mapped in the Kenya National Qualifications Framework.
“This will not be a mean feat, members of the KNQA Council. Much work awaits us to transition in the most effective manner. The role of the Kenya National Qualifications Authority in promoting visibility of qualifications, skills, and competencies cannot therefore be overstated,” she urged.
She went on: “We are also operating at a time when the concept of the National Qualifications Framework has gained traction internationally. I would like to commend KNQA for putting Kenya on the global map as far as the implementation of the KNQF is concerned. I was glad to attend the 1st Continental workshop that brought together delegates from 34 countries across Africa, and that was a show of confidence that indeed, as a continent, we are keen to promote transparency of qualifications and mutual trust between qualification frameworks for lifelong learning in Africa.”
Dr. Muoria called on the new Council members, who will serve for a period of three years effective October 19, 2023, to seize such opportunities and make National Qualifications Operational in the changing world.
Also speaking at the event, KNQA Chairperson Mr. Stanley Kiptis assured the PS that the Authority is up to task in the development of all required national policies to enable the implementation of the qualification framework.
KNQA Ag. Director General Dr. Alice Kande also addressed the inauguration session, saying, “We are keen to ensure that qualifications obtained in Kenya are relevant, credible, portable, and globally competitive,” she maintained.
By Michael Omondi
