KNQA International Research Conference

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

Over a decade of its implementation in the Country, the Kenya National Qualifications Framework has come of age. The Framework has evolved and traversed the various phases of its development, institutionalisation, and implementation, generating critical insights into its strengths, gaps and opportunities. This milestone presents an opportune moment to take stock of progress and to engage in a reflective and evidence-based dialogue on the Framework’s functionality and impact. The proposed Conference thus provides a timely platform to hear directly from both the implementers and beneficiaries of the KNQF, those who apply and experience the Framework in practice. Through these shared perspectives, the Conference aims to distil lessons learned and co—create with stakeholder’s actionable strategies to strengthen the KNQA’s effectiveness in advancing skills development and lifelong learning in Kenya.

Conference Objectives

• To promote a coherent, credible and robust qualifications landscape through reflection on progress, achievements, and lessons learnt over the past decade;
• To enhance national and regional recognition and mobility of qualifications through dialogue on comparability and mutual recognition;
• To strengthen partnerships and coordination among stakeholders for a more integrated and efficient qualifications system;
• To expand flexible and inclusive access to learning and qualifications through RPL, KCATS, UNESCO Qualifications Passport (UQP), modularisation, and micro-credentials; and
• To align qualifications and skills development with labour market demand and national development priorities.

Conference Theme

A Decade of Transformation and Reimagining Qualifications in Kenya: Advancing Quality, Relevance, Inclusion and Recognition of Qualifications and Skills for Lifelong Learning and Employability

Industry Linkages, Employability, and Skills Development

• Labour market intelligence and its role in shaping qualifications
• Shaping the future of qualifications through Competency-based education
• Employer Perspectives: The Value of a KNQF-Aligned Qualifications

Lifelong learning: Recognition of Prior Learning, Credit Accumulation and Transfer and Recognition of Qualifications

• Flexible qualifications’ pathways through KCATS, RPL,
• Recognition of Qualifications
• International comparability and mutual recognition of qualifications

Emerging trends in the Qualifications awarding landscape

• Micro credentials, UNESCO Qualifications Passport (UQP) and Modularisation of curriculum, Artificial Intelligence
• Integrating Qualifications MIS with the National Database, LMIS, E-learning, e-assessment
• Greening the Qualifications Framework

Quality assurance and relevance of qualifications

• Standardisation and harmonisation of Qualifications Across all Sub-Frameworks/Sectors
• Quality Assurance in Assessment Standards
• Quality Assurance through Internal and External Quality Assurance.

Digital Transformation, Innovation, Green and Future skills

• Digital credentials, badges, e-certificates, and blockchain in qualification verification
• Digitalising qualification records for efficiency, transparency, and portability

National Qualifications Framework Implementation-Governance, Policy and Practice

• KNQF architecture and strengthening a well-governed and globally aligned NQF
• National Qualifications Framework as a tool for Inclusion and Regional Integration

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 multiple days and features keynote addresses, technical sessions, panel discussions, and policy dialogues.

Day 1 – Opening & Plenary

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

Day 2 – Technical Sessions

08:30 – 09:30	Keynote Address
09:30 – 11:00	Parallel Technical Sessions

Day 3 – Policy Dialogue & Closing

09:00 – 10:30	Policy Roundtable & Dialogue
11:00 – 13:00	Conference Communiqué & Closing Ceremony

Download Detailed Programme (PDF) View Full Programme

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 conference is supported by organisations committed to advancing qualifications, skills development, and lifelong learning.

Strategic Partners

The 1st National Qualifications Conference 2026