NAIROBI, KENYA — In a significant step toward institutionalizing and enhancing professional standards within the communications industry, the Public Relations Society of Kenya (PRSK) has initiated formal discussions with the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) to secure accreditation as a professional body and membership association under the Kenya National Qualifications Framework (KNQF).
The proposed collaboration would enable PRSK to gain official recognition as a Qualification Awarding Body (QAB), granting the Society authority to issue nationally recognized public relations certifications aligned with the KNQF and backed by statutory recognition.
Delegation Meeting
The PRSK delegation was led by Vice President Ms. Patricia Ndede and Secretary-General Ms. Noella Mutanda. Also present were Council Member Jesse Masai and Membership Services Manager Amos Kariuki.
The delegation met with KNQA Director General and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Alice Kande at the Authority’s headquarters to explore the roadmap for formal inclusion within the national qualifications framework.
Strengthening Professional Recognition
Dr. Kande welcomed the initiative and commended PRSK’s leadership for taking proactive measures to formalize the Society’s professional and educational structures. She emphasized that integrating professional associations into the ten-level KNQF architecture is essential for maintaining the integrity of human capital development and ensuring professional certifications meet national quality assurance standards.
During the engagement, KNQA’s technical team, led by Directors Dr. Winnie Bulimo and Dr. Victor Nzomo, guided the delegation through the Authority’s statutory mandate, the Qualification Awarding Body registration process, and the requirements professional associations must satisfy to align with the framework.
— Patricia Ndede, PRSK Vice President
Supporting the Future of Communication Practice
Speaking during the meeting, Ms. Ndede expressed appreciation for KNQA’s continued support of communication professionals and highlighted PRSK’s longstanding journey toward statutory recognition.
She noted that the accreditation process complements ongoing efforts to secure legal recognition through the IPRAC Bill, which is currently under legislative review in Parliament.
Discussions also focused on the evolving communications landscape, particularly the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies on professional practice.
The PRSK team explained how the Society’s membership categories and training programmes are designed to support practitioners at different career stages, ensuring they remain competitive and adaptable in a rapidly changing environment.
Looking Ahead
As a demonstration of the strengthening relationship between the regulator and the professional body, PRSK extended an official invitation to Dr. Kande and the KNQA team to participate in the upcoming East Africa Public Relations Week (EAPRW), which will also serve as the Society’s 23rd Annual Conference.
The event is scheduled to take place from 2nd to 6th November 2026 and is expected to bring together communication professionals, policymakers, academics, and industry leaders from across the region.
