About the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA)
The Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) was established in 2015 to develop and implement the Kenya National Qualifications Framework (KNQF); which is a system that defines and sets standards for qualifications obtained and awarded in Kenya.
The functions of the Kenya National Qualifications Authority are: –
- Co-ordinate and supervise the development of policies on national qualifications;
- Develop a framework for the development of an accreditation system on qualifications;
- Develop a system for assessment of national qualifications;
- Develop and review inter-relationships and linkages across national qualifications in consultation with stakeholders, relevant institutions and agencies;
- Maintain a national database of national qualifications;
- Publish manuals, codes and guidelines on national qualifications;
- Advice and support any person, body or institution which is responsible for the award of national qualifications;
- Publish an annual report on the status of national qualifications;
- Set standards and benchmarks for qualifications and competencies including skills, knowledge, attitudes and values;
- Define the levels of qualifications and competencies;
- Provide for the recognition of attainment or competencies including skills, knowledge, attitudes and values;
- Facilitate linkages, credit transfers and exemptions and a vertical and horizontal mobility at all levels to enable entry, re-entry and exit;
- Conduct research on equalization of qualifications;
- Establish standards for harmonization and recognition of national and foreign qualifications;
- Build confidence in the national qualifications system that contributes to the national economy;
- Provide pathways that support the development and maintenance of flexible access to qualifications;
- Promote the recognition of national qualifications internationally; and
- Perform such other functions as may be provided under this Act.
Our Mission, Vision and Core Values
Discover our mission to shape the future of Qualifications, our vision for a future of excellence and innovation, and the core values that underpin our work. Click on the tabs to view our Mission, Vision and Core Values.
Globally Recognized and Competitive Qualifications Transforming Kenya.
To establish and manage the KNQF aimed at promoting globally recognized and competitive qualifications for sustainable development
- Equity: We always strive to be fair and impartial in our operations.
- Professionalism: Our staff upholds professionalism and respects the code of conduct.
- Quality: We strive to provide services that conform to international standards.
- Integrity: We uphold honesty and adherence to solid ethical principles.
- Accountability: We accept responsibility for our actions.
- Teamwork: We uphold working together to benefit from synergy, cohesion, and prudent use of resources.
- Relevance: We coordinate and harmonize the training, assessment, and register qualifications relevant to the industry.
- Responsiveness: We adapt to the changing educational and economic landscape by remaining agile and responsive to the evolving needs of learners and the labour market.
- Diversity & Inclusion: We create an environment where individuals from various backgrounds, perspectives, and identities feel valued, respected, and supported.
- Collaboration: We foster strong relationships, open communication, and active engagement with all stakeholders involved in the organization's activities and decision-making processes.
Get informed on our directorates and their crucial roles
The Directorate is anchored on Mwongozo the code of Governance for State Corporations and is responsible for providing secretarial services to the Council. The Directorate is also responsible for advising the Management on legal matters, overseeing legal matters as well as implementing good corporate governance to enhance organizational credibility.
The Directorate of Policy and Registration is established pursuant to the mandate of the Kenya National Qualifications Authority as provided for under section 8 of the KNQF Act No. 22 of 2014. The Directorate is responsible for establishing of a framework for development of accreditation system, registering qualifications and qualifications awarding institutions; co-ordinate and supervise the development of policies on national qualifications; developing a system of competence, life-long learning and attainment of national qualifications in order to promote national and trans-national mobility of workers. Additionally, the directorate is responsible facilitating mobility and progression within education, training and career paths
The Directorate of Standards Alignment and Validation is established pursuant to the mandate of the Kenya National Qualifications Authority as provided for under section 8:1(c), (d), (f), (j), (l), (n), (o), (p), (q,) of the KNQF Act No. 22 of 2014.The Directorate is responsible for the implementation of functions of developing and supervising implementation of National standards for qualifications, creating international comparability of qualifications; alignment and validation of qualifications. The directorate is also responsible for developing a system on assessment, credit accumulation and transfer; and quality assurance.
The Strategy, Planning, Partnership & QMS Directorate is established pursuant to the mandate of the Kenya National Qualifications Authority as provided for under section 8 (1)(h)(m) of the KNQF Act No. 22 of 2014.
The Directorate is established to provide strategic leadership, expert advice and input to the Authority to ensure optimal utilization and management of the Authority’s resources. It will provide accountability in the functional areas of Finance and Accounts; Human Resource (HR) & Administration; Records Management; and Corporate Communication to enable the Authority to effectively perform its mandate of advising government in matters of the Kenya National Qualifications Framework.
Directorate is established pursuant to the Section 73 of the Public Financial Management Act No.18 of 2012 and Regulations and the Public Audit Act. The directorate is responsible for providing independent, objective assurance that operations and systems of the Authority are working effectively and efficiently and recommending improvements on the operations of the Authority. The Directorate helps the Authority to accomplish its strategic objectives by effecting a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control and governance processes.
Our Key Achievements
The following are the key achievement of the Authority in five thematic areas:
KNQA Council and Management
The Board and Management of the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) brings together a diverse team of experts committed to advancing education and training standards across Kenya.
Click here to view more KNQA Council Members and Management Team
Organogram
This section provides a clear overview of our organizational hierarchy, showcasing the key roles and departments that drive our mission. The institutional and organizational framework for the Authority is as below;
