UPDATES
Inside govt’s new plan to stamp out fake degrees
Fake degrees will soon be a thing of the past as the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) works to harmonise its framework across Africa.
The African Continental Qualifications Framework (ACQF) initiative, which aims to spearhead a transformation in education and skills development, says it will ensure that qualifications earned by young Africans are not only recognised in their home countries, but also resonate across the African continent and beyond to the global stage.
Speaking during a three-day workshop on the ACQF, Principal Secretary Esther Muoria said while the initiative is designed to address several mismatches to ensure that skills and competencies relevant to industry needs are recognised and certified, the programme will weed out fake degrees.
“This initiative will address the skills mismatch, inconsistencies in qualification outcomes and competencies between institutions offering qualifications at similar levels, bottlenecks and dead ends in the education system, and the lack of a system to align and equate qualifications. It also seeks to provide clear progression pathways between qualifications,” she said.
However, Ms Muoria sought to emphasise the importance of establishing consistent professional standards not only within the country, but also across the continent and globally. She stressed that the pursuit of a universally recognised professional standard is essential when training individuals in a particular field to ensure global recognition.
“We are not only focusing on curricula, but also on occupational standards (OSS). We live in a time where the workforce is agile and ready to move from one place to another on this continent. Our aim is to ensure that when we talk about harmonising qualifications and frameworks across the continent, we include occupational standards and even the curricula themselves. This comprehensive approach is designed to facilitate mobility across the continent by aligning everything from occupational standards to curricula and embedding them within the framework,” she said.
Speaking during the workshop, Juma Mukhwana, Principal Secretary for Industry, emphasised the shift towards recognising practical skills over traditional paper qualifications, and the commitment to certifying artisans and workers in various trades, regardless of the route they took to acquire their skills. He emphasised that the focus should now be on assessing and recognising the skills of individuals, rather than prioritising their formal educational qualifications.
“What we are looking for are the skills – what can you deliver? The way you’re doing this business, the question is: can you do it? If you can do it, why can’t I satisfy you? Why should I look for supplements if you have the skills? This perspective underlines the importance of skills in driving the economy, particularly in industries such as construction where a significant percentage of the workforce lacks formal qualifications but has valuable skills,” he said.
He went on to say that the overarching goal is to create a more inclusive and practical education system that values skills and industry knowledge, ultimately reducing the gap between education and industry needs.
“We believe that by recognising and certifying skills, it can stimulate economic growth, particularly within its own borders, and contribute to the wider goal of increasing intra-African trade. Breaking down barriers such as visa requirements and harmonising standards across the continent will be essential steps in fostering greater business cooperation among African nations,” he said.
Furthermore, KNQA Acting Director General Alice Kande said the government is keen to bridge the gap by developing and implementing a robust Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) system to ensure that skills and competencies relevant to industry needs are recognised and certified.
“Indeed, we recognise that NQFs are evolving, broadening their scope and embracing digitalisation. Learning in all contexts (including non-formal and informal) is more important than ever, as the transformation of work, technologies and the greening of the economy require faster re-skilling and up-skilling, flexible acquisition of credentials for lifelong learning and work, and transparent qualifications based on quality and trustworthy provision at all levels of the NQF,” she said.
The Presidential Working Party on Education Reform (PWPER), which released its report this month, recommended the implementation of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy and Credit Accumulation and Transfer Systems (CATS) in Kenya.
In a report submitted to President William Ruto, the team, led by Konza Technopolis Development Authority board chairperson Raphael Munavu, also suggested the need for more awareness creation on Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Accumulation and Transfer Systems.
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Comedies
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.