- " A country that invests in policies aiming to give credibility and align qualifications with emerging global trends is a foresighted nation," the CS said.
- The CS lauded the Kenya National Qualifications Framework which has effectively matured and provided stable platform for quality assurance.
Image: PCS
Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu has said there is a great need to build a bridge between education and work.
The CS said education bridged to work must be underpinned by qualifications of the highest quality that are trustworthy and recognised at all levels.
He spoke on Monday during the African Continental Qualifications Framework training workshop in Nairobi.
The CS said the megatrends such as digitalisation, automation, demographic shifts, climate change, and the unprecedented challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, significantly altered the link between Kenya's education systems and the labour market.
"The role, value, and currency of qualifications are undergoing a profound transformation, influenced by global megatrends that have reshaped the world," Machogu said.
He noted that globally, there is an urgent need to fortify qualifications frameworks.
"A country that invests in policies aiming to give credibility and align qualifications with emerging global trends is a foresighted nation," the CS said.
He said in response to the megatrends that have been taking place globally, Kenya's National Qualifications Frameworks are evolving, expanding their horizons, and embracing the digital age.
Machogu said the transformation of work, rapid technological advancements, and the imperative of greening economies all demand swifter re-skilling and up-skilling and a flexible approach to acquiring credentials for lifelong learning.
"In light of these challenges, we are called upon to develop responsive and effective frameworks that can make a meaningful contribution not only to Sustainable Development Goals 4 and 8 but also to the broader objectives of a skills revolution, social inclusion, and enhanced employability for every segment of our population," Machogu said.
Further, the CS lauded the Kenya National Qualifications Framework which he said has effectively matured and provided a stable platform for quality assurance and registration of national qualifications.
He said referencing the KNQF to other Regional and Continental qualification Frameworks will continually promote transparency of qualifications and mutual trust between qualifications frameworks for lifelong learning in Africa.
"Africa is at a pivotal juncture in the evolution of our labour market and education systems," he said.
"To thrive in this new era, we must champion responsive policies that adapt to the times, foster lifelong learning, and empower all individuals to acquire the skills and qualifications needed for success."
This comes as the Kenya National Qualifications Authority is working to give certification to Kenyans who acquired skills informally yet they make their living from the skills.
The state recognises that many of those who contribute to the growth of the economy have skills but lack certification for their skills.
Jua Kali artisans, masons, plumbers and technicians among others who acquired skills informally now have a chance to get certification with the Kenya National Qualifications Authority.