26 Institutions to Submit Alumni Records to KNQA Database in Fight Against Fake Certificates
In the fight against forged certificates, 26 institutions have been approved to transmit records of their former graduates to the qualification agency database.
The Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) has approved approximately 2,000 programs offered by these 26 institutions.
Two universities and twenty-four other mid-level and technical colleges make up the 26. Particularly, polytechnics are taking the lead in obtaining qualification agency approval.
This group consists of institutions such as the Nyeri National Polytechnic, Meru National Polytechnic, Kenya Coast National Polytechnic, Kisii National Polytechnic, Sigalagala National Polytechnic, Eldoret National Polytechnic, Kisumu National Polytechnic, and Kitale National Polytechnic.
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Mount Kenya University and Meru University of Science and Technology, on the other hand, have navigated the rigorous qualification process successfully.
These universities are now among the few authorized to upload their alumni records.
The KNQA is required by Kenyan law to record qualifications in its database.
Dr. Alice Kande, the acting Director-General of the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA), noted that the verification of qualifications has been moving at a snail’s pace.
She attributed the delay to the complex verification procedure and emphasized the need for more capacity-building and awareness initiatives to ensure institutions comply with the registration of their credentials.
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Dr. Kande reported that they have registered over 30 institutions and more than 2,000 qualifications. He emphasized their ongoing efforts to educate institutions on the required steps for registration, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the process and the necessity to fulfill all criteria.
On Tuesday, during the second day of the African Continental Qualification Framework event, she made these remarks.
Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital College of Health Science, Kenya Medical Training College, Kenya Red Cross, Kenya School of Government, Bandari Maritime Academy, Kenya Institute of Supplies Examination Board, and Human Resource Management Professional Examination Board are some additional institutions that have been verified.
National Examination Board for Kenya Accountants and Secretaries (KASNEB), Kenya School of Revenue Administration, TVET Curriculum Development Assessment and Certification Council, and National Industrial Training Authority.
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Dr. Kande also stated that the qualification verification process will encompass credentials obtained from institutions located outside of Kenya.
We also work with international institutions. If a person has completed a course in a foreign country and wishes to enroll in a local institution, we must first verify the legitimacy of that degree by examining the reputation of the institution from which the individual graduated, Kande explained.
KNQA uses a detailed criteria matrix to check the legitimacy of institutions, which includes a legal requirement that lets them give tests and issue certificates.
Institutions also require the approval of sub-sector administrators. This includes the Commission on University Education for universities. It also involves the Technical Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) for technical colleges. Additionally, it encompasses professional bodies where applicable.
For foreign institutions, registration documentation from their home country and incorporation documentation from Kenya are essential requirements.
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Throughout a three-day workshop on the African Continental Qualification Framework, Principal Secretary Esther Muoria expressed her support for the initiative.
She emphasized the program’s objective: to rectify mismatched skills and competencies. This is to ensure that qualifications are aligned with industry requirements. It also aims to provide clear progression pathways between qualifications.
She explained that this initiative aims to address several issues within the education system. These issues include inconsistencies, bottlenecks, and fake degrees. The ultimate goal is to promote transparency and ensure the recognition of genuine credentials.
26 Institutions to Submit Alumni Records to KNQA Database in Fight Against Fake Certificates
