KNQA CEO Dr. Alice Kande participated in a high-impact two-day conference organized by the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA), aimed at addressing critical issues surrounding the harmonization of qualifications within the East African Community (EAC) region. The workshop on the ‘Mutual Recognition of Qualifications in East Africa’, held on 19th and 20th June in Entebbe, Uganda, marked a significant milestone in advancing regional collaboration among EAC Partner States and key development partners.
Throughout the workshop, stakeholders engaged in robust and constructive dialogue, deliberating on key resolutions to enhance the mutual recognition of academic and professional qualifications. A central focus was the persistent challenge of student mobility, which continues to be a major barrier to the seamless exchange of knowledge and skills across the region.
During the conference, Dr. Kande contributed to the discourse by sharing Kenya’s experiences and insights on the recognition and equating of academic and professional qualifications. The discussions also touched on emerging issues in qualifications recognition, underscoring the importance of aligning national efforts with regional and global trends.
The spirit of unity and collaboration demonstrated during the workshop reaffirmed a shared commitment among EAC Partner States to strengthen regional cooperation and build mutual trust by prioritizing and facilitating the recognition of qualifications.
Participants gained deeper insights into emerging trends and contemporary issues in qualifications recognition, including micro-credentials, the Refugee Qualifications Passport, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), and the recognition of qualifications without documentary evidence.
At the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA), we remain steadfast in our mission to champion the national, regional, and international recognition of qualifications—enhancing skills and labour mobility, and promoting the portability of qualifications.
The workshop brought together a diverse group of participants, including representatives from Commissions and Councils for Higher Education, Qualifications Authorities, National Examination Boards, Professional Bodies, Universities, and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations supporting refugee access and transition, such as UNESCO, UNHCR, UNICEF, ILO, Windle International, and GIZ.
