KNQA International Research Conference 2026

Welcome Message from the Director General, KNQA

On behalf of the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA), I am delighted to welcome you to the International Conference on Qualifications, Skills, and Lifelong Learning 2026.

As the world of work continues to evolve rapidly, driven by technological advancement, globalization, and changing skills demands, strong and responsive qualifications systems have never been more critical. This conference provides a timely platform for policymakers, educators, industry leaders, researchers, and development partners to engage in meaningful dialogue on strengthening qualifications frameworks, skills recognition, and lifelong learning systems.

Participants will benefit from rich exchanges of evidence-based research, practical experiences, and policy innovations that support quality assurance, workforce mobility, inclusivity, and sustainable development—both within Africa and globally.

I warmly invite you to be part of this important conversation as we collectively shape the future of qualifications and skills systems for generations to come.

Dr. Alice Kande, PhD
Director General / Council Secretary
Kenya National Qualifications Authority

About the Conference

The Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) convenes this international conference as a platform for dialogue, research, and policy engagement on qualifications frameworks, skills development, and lifelong learning.

As countries respond to changing labour markets, technological advancement, and regional integration, qualifications systems play a critical role in ensuring relevance, quality, and comparability of learning outcomes.

This conference brings together policymakers, quality assurance agencies, educators, industry leaders, researchers, and development partners to exchange evidence, share best practice, and strengthen national and regional qualifications systems.

Conference Objectives

• Strengthen understanding of qualifications frameworks and systems
• Promote recognition, comparability, and mobility of skills
• Share research and policy innovations in lifelong learning
• Foster collaboration among national and regional stakeholders

Conference Theme

Strengthening Qualifications, Skills Recognition, and Lifelong Learning for Inclusive and Sustainable Development

Qualifications Frameworks & Policy

• National and regional qualifications frameworks
• Quality assurance and accreditation systems
• Mutual recognition and comparability of qualifications

Skills Development & Labour Markets

• Skills anticipation and labour market alignment
• TVET systems and pathways
• Industry engagement and work-based learning

Lifelong Learning & Inclusion

• Recognition of prior learning (RPL)
• Digital credentials and micro-qualifications
• Equity, access, and learner mobility

Research, Data & Innovation

• Evidence-based policy and decision-making
• Digital transformation in qualifications systems
• Regional and international cooperation

Distinguished Conference Speakers

Renowned policymakers, scholars, and practitioners shaping the future of qualifications, skills recognition, and lifelong learning.

Prof. Daniel Mwangi

Chair, National Research Council

Dr. Amina Hassan

Director, Skills Policy & Standards

Eng. Robert Kiplagat

Infrastructure & Quality Expert

Conference Programme

The conference programme spans three days and features keynote addresses, technical sessions, panel discussions, and policy dialogues aligned to the conference theme.

Day 1 – Wednesday, June 2026

Official opening, keynote addresses, and plenary discussions.

08:00 – 09:00	Registration
09:00 – 10:30	Opening Ceremony & Keynote Addresses
10:30 – 11:00	Health Break
11:00 – 12:30	Plenary Session: Qualifications & Skills Policy LIVE NOW
12:30 – 14:00	Lunch Break
14:00 – 16:30	Parallel Sessions & Panel Discussions
16:30 – 18:00	Networking Reception

Day 2 – Thursday, June 2026

Technical paper presentations, innovation showcases, and thematic tracks.

08:30 – 09:30	Keynote Address
09:30 – 11:00	Parallel Technical Sessions
11:00 – 11:30	Health Break
11:30 – 13:00	Panel Discussions & Case Studies
13:00 – 14:00	Lunch Break
14:00 – 17:00	Institutional Showcases / Technical Visits

Day 3 – Friday, June 2026

Policy dialogue, conference outcomes, and closing ceremony.

09:00 – 10:30	Policy Roundtable & Dialogue
10:30 – 11:00	Health Break
11:00 – 13:00	Conference Communiqué & Closing Ceremony
13:00	Departure of Delegates

Download Detailed Programme (PDF)

Call for Papers

The Kenya National Qualifications Authority invites original research papers, policy analyses, and case studies aligned to the conference theme.

Scope of Submissions

Submissions should contribute to advancing knowledge, policy, or practice in qualifications systems, skills development, and lifelong learning at national, regional, or international levels.

• Qualifications frameworks and quality assurance
• Skills recognition and mobility
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
• TVET systems and labour market alignment
• Digital credentials and micro-qualifications
• Lifelong learning policy and inclusion

Submission Guidelines

• Abstracts should not exceed 300 words
• Submissions must be original and unpublished
• Accepted papers may be presented orally or as posters
• Selected papers may be considered for publication

Submission deadline: 16 January 2026

Submit Paper Download Guidelines (PDF)

For enquiries related to submissions, please contact conference@knqa.go.ke

Sponsors & Strategic Partners

The KNQA International Conference 2026 is supported by regional and international institutions committed to strengthening education, qualifications, skills recognition, and lifelong learning systems.

International Education & Policy Partner

Supporting global dialogue on education policy, qualifications frameworks, and quality assurance to enhance recognition and mobility of learning outcomes.

Development & Skills Partner

Advancing skills development, labour market alignment, and workforce readiness through evidence-based programmes and institutional capacity building.

Regional Cooperation Partner

Promoting harmonisation of qualifications, mutual recognition, and regional integration to support cross-border mobility and lifelong learning.

Research & Innovation Partner

Supporting research, data-driven policy, and innovation in qualifications systems, digital credentials, and skills ecosystems.

Interested in partnering with the KNQA International Conference 2026?

Contact the Conference Secretariat

International Conference on Qualifications, Skills & Lifelong Learning