Kenya to host continental qualification forum

Kenya for the second time will host Africa Continental Qualifications Framework (ACQF-III) training forum in Nairobi, organisers of the event have announced.

The third continental “Forum of the institutions of National Qualifications Frameworks”, organised by the African Union countries, Regional Economic Communities and the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) will take place in Nairobi, from October 1 to 4.

KNQA Director General Dr Alice Kande said this is in appreciation of the role Kenya is playing in the implementation of ACQF.

This comes one year after the country hosted another ACQF workshop in 2023. The focus of the Nairobi Forum will be Training of recognition of prior learning (RPL) practitioners.

The four-day training workshop will be both face- to -face and virtual.

“We expect more than 32 participants from 20 African countries and 4 economic regions as well as participants higher learning institutions in Kenya.

These will include; RPL in lifelong learning policies, theories underpinning RPL, how to do RPL, Quality assurance of RPL,RPL process, step-by-step, RPL Kenya: policy and practice.

Already Kenya is implementing the recognition of prior learning policy after its launch in March this year.
The policy provides for a functional and credible system for recognition of knowledge, skills, and competencies that have been acquired through practical work but which are not supported by corresponding academic or institutional qualifications.

The policy is the bridge to facilitate transition from informality to formality as well as facilitating multi entry/exit between the education system and the labour market.

ACQF is a policy initiative of the Africa Union(AU) to achieve continental integration through education and training , free movement of persons and free trade. The European Union supports the project.