Kenya Takes Center Stage as KNQA Boss Dr. Alice Kande Champions Continental Qualifications Reforms Ahead of Nairobi ACQF-II Forum

Kenya is strengthening its position as a continental leader in education quality assurance and qualifications harmonization, with the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) Director General and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Alice Kande, taking part in the Southern African Development Community Qualifications Framework (SADCQF) Technical Committee on Certification and Accreditation (TCCA) Meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Dr. Kande attended the high-level forum following an invitation from the African Continental Qualifications Framework (ACQF) Network Troika Presidency, joining qualifications experts, policymakers, and education stakeholders from across Africa to discuss strategies aimed at enhancing regional integration through robust and harmonized qualifications systems.

The meeting is focusing on key pillars critical to the transformation of education and skills development across the continent. Among the major agenda items are the alignment of National Qualifications Frameworks (NQFs), promotion of flexible learning pathways through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), integration of micro-credentials, and strengthening digital platforms for qualifications and credential verification.

Participants are also assessing progress made under the Qualifications and Credentials Platform developed through the ACQF-II Project, which seeks to modernize qualification systems and facilitate easier recognition of academic and professional credentials across African countries.

Speaking during the deliberations, stakeholders emphasized the importance of peer learning, policy coordination, and institutional collaboration in ensuring that qualifications earned in one African country can be recognized and valued across borders. Such efforts are expected to boost labour mobility, support lifelong learning, and enhance access to employment opportunities for millions of Africans.

The discussions further explored governance structures within the ACQF Network, institutional development mechanisms, and ongoing efforts to align national qualification systems with the African Continental Qualifications Framework. Experts noted that harmonized qualifications frameworks are increasingly becoming essential in supporting Africa's economic integration agenda under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The Johannesburg meeting also serves as a significant preparatory platform ahead of the highly anticipated ACQF-II Forum scheduled to take place in Nairobi in July 2026. Kenya is expected to host education leaders, policymakers, accreditation experts, and development partners from across the continent to advance discussions on qualifications recognition, quality assurance, and skills portability.

Dr. Kande's participation underscores Kenya's growing influence in shaping continental education policies and promoting quality assurance standards that respond to emerging labour market demands and technological advancements.

Education sector stakeholders have welcomed the country's active role in continental qualifications reforms, noting that stronger collaboration among African nations will be instrumental in building a skilled workforce, enhancing academic mobility, and fostering economic growth through knowledge-based development.

As Africa continues to pursue greater integration, forums such as the SADCQF TCCA Meeting are expected to play a crucial role in creating seamless education and training pathways, ensuring that qualifications are recognized across borders and empowering learners and professionals to thrive in an increasingly interconnected continent.