Towards realizing Intra-Africa mobility and cooperation of qualifications systems: The role of the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) and status of Implementation of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in Kenya

Dr. Juma Mukhwana, Director General / CEO, KNQA

30 October 2021

The Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) was established through the KNQF Act No. 22 of 2014 to develop, implement and maintain the Kenya National Qualifications Framework. Implementation of the National Qualifications Framework involves establishment of standards for recognizing qualifications obtained within and outside Kenya; developing a system of competence, lifelong learning and attainment of national qualifications; aligning qualifications obtained in Kenya with global benchmarks to promote national and trans-national mobility of workers; strengthening the national quality assurance systems for national qualifications; and facilitating mobility and progression within the country’s education and training system. 

The Kenya National Qualifications Framework was developed against a backdrop of the long-envisaged reforms in the country’s education and training system to address amongst other challenges the multiplicity and fragmentation of qualifications and qualifications awarding bodies that made it difficult for employers to understand the competencies possessed by holders of a particular qualification. The national framework thus aims at improving the quality and transparency of qualifications, to orient qualifications towards the needs of society and the labour market, and to facilitate lifelong learning by defining progression pathways and implementing Recognition of Prior Learning.

KNQA is keen to contribute towards realisation of the ACQF principles including promoting inclusiveness of all types of learning and levels of qualifications; openness to learners’ and stakeholders’ needs; and innovation-readiness to embrace new forms of learning, new skills and types of qualifications, ongoing and future transformations. To that end, Kenya is among the few African countries that have a mature legal base, operational instruments and clear Governance structures that ensure effectiveness and integrity of the National Qualifications Framework.

Kenya has had a strong kick-start in recognizing competencies and skills through implementation of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). This has been buttressed by commitment from the Government to provide a platform for recognition and certification of a huge segment of its population majorly the youth, who have acquired various competencies through experience and have been contributing greatly to the country’s economy through the informal sector popularly known as Jua kali.

To this segment of individuals, the lack of appropriate qualifications has disadvantaged them in getting decent jobs, migrating to other regions and accessing further education even though they might have the necessary competencies.  Recognition of Prior Learning shall help such persons acquire formal qualification that matches their knowledge and skills, thus help them access employment, enhance labour mobility as well as promote lifelong learning, social inclusion and self-esteem.

Director General & CEO of KNQA, Dr. Juma Mukhwana giving remarks during a session with the RPL National Implementation Committee in June 2021.

Key achievements and steps that the country has made so far include development of RPL Policy and implementation guidelines as well as other requisite instruments such as RPL Practitioners manuals, Quality Assurance manual and Application forms. In addition to this, a pilot was carried out to test the instruments as well as the process itself to ensure that it is fully understood. Currently, plans are underway for a phased roll out of RPL in the country.

Effectiveness and impact of Recognition of Prior Learning is a function of many factors notably involvement of the various critical players such as the Government itself through its Agencies, the Industry and other lead stakeholders. Having explicit roles of all RPL players has made it possible for the country to forge ahead without many challenges and confusion.

Development of RPL policy documents has been greatly supported by development partners such as the International Labour Organization and Mastercard Foundation - through the Young Africa Works Project whose main objective is to find solutions to the youth employment challenge, thus reducing poverty in Africa. The project aims at supporting five million young Kenyans to access dignified and fulfilling work over the next five years.

Currently KNQA is developing a Recognition of Prior Learning – Management Information System (RPL-MIS) that digitizes the entire RPL process thus enhancing access and efficiency of the programme. The system will also enable the country to have up-to-date, comprehensive and real time data that will then shape subsequent decisions and plans.

As the African continent leapfrogs towards enhancing transparency and portability of qualifications, there is no doubt that the Kenya National Qualifications Framework is providing complementarity at national level in a bid to create a ‘new African citizen’ who will be an effective change agent for the continent’s sustainable development as envisioned by the Africa Union and its 2063 Agenda as well as the Continental Education Strategy for Africa, CESA 2020 – 2025.