The KNQA Director General/CEO, Dr Alice Kande, hosted a delegation from the European Commission comprising
Dr. Ravenna Sohst (MPI Europe) and Ophélie Tardieu (RMDA), who are currently undertaking a study aimed at identifying Kenya’s institutional needs and exploring areas of collaboration with the European Union on skills recognition and labour mobility.
The visit forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation between Kenya and the EU in addressing barriers to the recognition of qualifications and enhancing opportunities for safe, structured, and mutually beneficial labour migration.
During the engagement, the delegation assessed Kenya’s policy and regulatory framework governing labour migration, while also seeking to better understand the country’s education and training ecosystem. Discussions further explored the opportunities and risks associated with international labour mobility, particularly for Kenyan workers seeking employment within EU member states.
The delegation was comprehensively briefed on the mandate of the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA), including its role in implementing the Kenya National Qualifications Framework (KNQF), strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and aligning national skills development with global standards.
Deliberations also highlighted the critical role of private sector actors, including recruitment agencies and development partners, in supporting labour mobility pathways. The discussions provided insights into the sectors where Kenyan professionals are currently engaged across the EU, as well as the policy and institutional frameworks within KNQA that support training and cross-border workforce integration.
Additionally, the engagement underscored the importance of collaboration between KNQA and other government agencies in fostering a coordinated approach to labour migration. Both parties also identified priority areas of mutual interest that could inform future partnerships between Kenya and EU member states.
The visit marks a significant step towards strengthening international cooperation and unlocking opportunities for Kenyan talent in the global labour market.
