KNQA Urges Public and Institutions to Register for Prior Learning (PRL) Certification
The Principal Secretary of the State Department of Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Dr. Esther Muoria, has urged the public and learning institutions to register with the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) for Recognition of Prior Learning (PRL) certification.
This move aims to maintain qualification standards and improve public confidence in national qualifications.
KNQA was established in 2015 to support, coordinate, and synchronize education, training, assessment, and quality assurance of all qualifications awarded in Kenya to increase quality and international comparability.
During a Council Retreat held at the Pride Inn Flamingo Beach Resort & Spa Mombasa, the PS praised the council for its governance of the KNQA, and discussed the implementation of the RPL program partnership with the International Labor Organization (ILO).
The retreat aims to develop the council’s capacity to efficiently and effectively execute the KNQA mandate and functions.
The PS highlighted that it is crucial to identify, assess, and certify learners’ knowledge, skills, and competencies obtained in formal or non-formal learning against prescribed standards.
Muoria mentioned that the KNQA policies and guidelines are a critical element for day-to-day operations. She also stated that there are currently four institutions providing RPL certification, and she aims to increase the number of institutions offering the program in the coming year.
During the retreat, the council aims to produce KNQA policies, guidelines, and instruments, build a consensus on RPL implementation, sensitize the council on ILO sector objectives, build council members’ capacity in Financial Management of KNQA, and more.
The Acting Director-General of KNQA, Alice Kande, mentioned that the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) assists learners by providing a transparent overview of qualifications, facilitating coordination and cooperation across institutional and national borders.
Kande emphasized the importance of certified and assured qualifications and the activation of the NQF for societal and organizational authorization.
KNQA Council Chair, Rosemary Njogu, aims to empower students and enable them to move from one level to another while achieving their aspirations. She stated that the skills taught must be relevant and globally recognized to enhance employment opportunities.
The council is working with partners such as the ILO to identify the pertinent skills needed to ensure the certification of national polytechnics and to ensure that qualified skills are trained and assured.
KNQA Urges Public and Institutions to Register for Prior Learning (PRL) Certification