In a major development, under NESSP 2018-2022, the government, through the Kenya National Qualifications Authority, registered 18 colleges as QAIs. They will train and award certificates to the learners with this new accreditation. This is a big boost to vocational and technical education in relating to the quality aspect and recognition of the training imparted to the learners.
Achievements and Initiatives
The KNQA has led the setting up of the National Qualifications, Framework which has recorded 1281 registered qualifications between 2018 and 2022. The framework, set by the KNQF Act Number 22 of 2014, harmonizes and coordinates all education, training, assessment, and quality assurance for all qualifications awarded in Kenya. In most cases, the objective will bring about improvement on quality, international comparability, and lifelong learning.
Key Developments
Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu highlighted these achievements Monday at the launch of NESSP 2023-2027 at the Kenya School of Government, Kabete in Nairobi where new strategic plan aims to build on these gains towards comprehensive and quality education services continuously.
Report Highlights
According to the report released at the event:
- 183 curricula were developed.
- 28 curriculum support materials were digitized.
- 102 trainers were trained.
- 133 learning guides were developed.
- 6,515 candidates were assessed in 88 institutions.
- A Learning Management System (LMS) was developed.
- Trainer of Trainers (ToT) CBET training materials were digitized.
Strategic Importance
CS Machogu argued that strategic planning was important to meet the goals in educational achievement by stating, “if you fail to plan, then you are planning to fail.” To successfully deliver comprehensive education programs for Kenyan children and youth, a strategic plan was developed.
Opportunities for Marginalized Communities
Dr. Alice Kande, Director General KNQA, on her part said educational skills should be aligned with the demands in the market especially now during Vision 2030 and the Bottom-up economy model which the country is developing. This will open up opportunities for the marginalized youth to also contribute to national development.
Dr. Kande observed, “Academic competencies are to be aligned with the demands of the job market, and this would entail producing graduates who are not only academically competent but are also competent practically so that the education system can become responsive to changing needs and demands of the global economy.”
Competence-Based Education and Training
He added, “By embracing these initiatives, we contribute not only to shaping the future of our learners but also to the overall development and prosperity of our nation.” The implementation of the Competence-Based Education and Training is based on the Kenya National Qualifications Framework and is one of the steps necessary for improving a more dynamic, relevant, and inclusive system of education.