In its continuous effort to enhance the quality and integrity of Kenya’s education sector, the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) issued a statement addressing the issue of counterfeit qualifications. The statement, signed by Acting Director General and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Alice Kande, outlines the authority’s commitment to combating fraudulent credentials and promoting confidence in the education and training system. Here are the key points highlighted in the statement:
Overview of KNQA’s Mandate:
- Establishment of KNQA: Kenya has made significant strides in transforming its education sector, including the establishment of KNQA to develop and implement the Kenya National Qualifications Framework (KNQF).
- Coordination and Harmonization: KNQA is tasked with coordinating and harmonizing education and training levels, accrediting institutions, and creating a database of all qualifications conferred within the country.
- Promotion of Confidence: The authority aims to promote confidence in the education system by accrediting institutions, registering qualifications, and ensuring individuals meet necessary standards for higher education or employment.
Sub-Frameworks and Regulatory Bodies:
- Sub-Frameworks: KNQA oversees four sub-frameworks catering to Basic Education, TVET, University, and Skills pathways, tailored to meet sector-specific needs.
- Regulatory Bodies: Regulatory bodies like the Commission for University Education and TVETA play vital roles in upholding standards and accrediting institutions within their respective sectors.
Rise in Counterfeit Qualifications:
- Escalating Issue: KNQA acknowledges a rise in counterfeit qualifications, attributing it to unemployment challenges faced by graduates.
- Documented Fraudulent Papers: The authority confirms that approximately 30% of academic papers are fraudulently or falsified, posing a significant threat to the integrity of the education system.
Addressing the Issue:
- Database Initiative: KNQA is actively working to establish a national database of qualifications, aiming for accuracy, reliability, and comparability of credentials.
- Central Repository: Once implemented, the database will serve as a central repository, allowing easy verification and query of qualifications to eliminate fraudulent practices.
- Employer Engagement: KNQA encourages employers to collaborate with the authority in verifying the authenticity of qualifications held by employees, ensuring only qualified individuals occupy positions.
Call to Action:
- Solidarity and Unity: KNQA calls for continued solidarity and unity of purpose in building confidence in the Kenyan qualifications ecosystem, emphasizing the collective responsibility in addressing fraudulent credentials.