The Director of Technical Services (DTS) at Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) Stanley Maindi has revealed that the Africa Continental Qualifications Framework (ACQF) is focussed on creation of a cohesive framework for qualifications across the African continent, thus enhancing regional collaboration and recognition.
Speaking during the on-going second Africa Continental Qualifications Framework (ACQF-II) training forum in Luanda, Angola, Maindi revealed that KNQA is currently involved in development and implementation of the ACQF and IGAD Qualifications Framework (IGADQF), which will allow for transparency of qualifications and mutual trust between qualifications frameworks for lifelong learning in Africa.
“KNQF and ACQF focus is to enhance educational and training standards through rigorous quality assurance mechanisms both national and regional standards, ensuring consistency and recognition of qualifications,” said Maindi.
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Maindi said the journey towards better coordination and harmony in the education and training system began earnestly when the KNQF Act came into force and when KNQA was established to implement the framework.
“The Authority continues to provide advisory, enhance capacity building and sensitization of stakeholders to ensure that they all understand their role in implementation of the national qualification’s framework,” Maindi explained.
He asserted that to appreciate the role Kenya is playing in the implementation of ACQF, the country has once again been give the rights to host the 3rd ACQF forum scheduled for September 30 to October 4, 2024.
The event which was opened by Angolan Minister for Public Administration, Labour and Social Security Dr Maria dos Santos will climax today and has seen more than 55 participants from 19 countries in the forum.
The forum aims at implementing the African Continental Qualifications Framework (ACQF) as a continental policy instrument with Kenya being one of the five countries participating in the pilot referencing exercise.
The overall objective of the project is to contribute to improved mobility, lifelong learning opportunities for Africa youth through enhanced comparability and transparency of qualifications, recognition of skills and diplomas, and improved mutual trust and information sharing between qualification frameworks and system on the continent.
By Vostine Ratemo
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