KNQA CEO Dr. Alice Kande delivered a keynote address at the Engagement Forum on the Draft Harmonised Guidelines for Higher Education Data Collection and Management in the East African Community (EAC), taking place in Nairobi from 16th to 18th July 2025.
In the forum organized by the Inter-University Council For East Africa (IUCEA), Dr. Kande emphasized the pivotal role of harmonised data systems in enhancing the credibility and cross-border portability of qualifications within the EAC region. She outlined the Kenya National Qualifications Authority’s (KNQA) initiatives, notably the development of the National Qualifications Database—a centralized digital repository containing graduate records, approved programmes, micro-credentials, and data from over 400 accredited awarding institutions across Kenya.
Dr. Kande noted that the database not only facilitates verification and curbs academic fraud but also promotes learner and labour mobility. It enables Kenyan graduates to seamlessly pursue further education or employment opportunities in neighbouring countries such as Rwanda and Uganda.
Drawing from Kenya’s implementation journey, she highlighted key challenges including data fragmentation, lack of standardisation, and limited digitisation among some institutions. She presented KNQA’s interventions, including the Kenya National Qualifications Classification Standard (KNQCS) and the proposal for a unique learner identifier to ensure seamless data integration and lifelong learner tracking.
In conclusion, Dr. Kande called on partner states and stakeholders to adopt and operationalise the draft guidelines, reaffirming KNQA’s commitment to fostering a future where data informs quality, transparency builds trust, and regional collaboration drives progress in education.
