From May 12th to 14th, 2026, Nairobi became the epicentre of African educational reform. The Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) hosted its landmark 1st National Qualifications Conference, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, academia, and regional organisations from across the continent.
The core mission? To explore how aligning qualifications across Africa can directly improve skills, enhance labour mobility, promote inclusion, and unlock life-changing opportunities for millions of citizens.
As a leading international awarding organisation with a deep commitment to African Learner progression, ICM was proud to be at the forefront of these vital conversations.
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During the three-day event, ICM’s Africa Regional Director, Kevin Kanisio Osundwa, joined distinguished researchers from Zimbabwe, South Africa, Italy, Zambia, Angola, and Kenya to present a crucial research paper:
The Impact of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Reasonable Adjustments (RA) on Learner Progression: A Longitudinal Analysis of Kenya Qualifications Trends to Inclusive Assessment.
In this paper, ICM recommends RPL and RA should be embedded as standard components of qualification design rather than supplementary processes. Strategies to enhance awareness should include clearer communication at the point of enrolment, consistent guidance embedded within learner handbooks and assessment briefs and staff training to ensure proactive application of adjustments.
For our current and prospective Centres, this research is a testament to ICM’s dedication to modern, flexible, and inclusive assessment methods. By championing Recognition of Prior Learning and Reasonable Adjustments, we are helping clear the path for non-traditional learners to have their existing skills formally validated, opening new doors for academic and career progression.
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The conference also coincided with a monumental milestone for Kenya’s educational landscape: a decade of implementing the Kenya National Qualifications Framework (KNQF).
To mark the occasion, the KNQA hosted a prestigious gala dinner on 13th May, attended by international partners, Council Members, and key industry stakeholders. Representing ICM, Kevin Kanisio Osundwa and Business Development & Delivery Coordinator, Ms Bernice Okuku, were in attendance to applaud the pioneers, including past Chairpersons and former CEOs, whose foresight has transformed Kenya’s qualifications system.
The evening held double the celebration, as the KNQA officially received its ISO Registration Certificate from the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS). This certification underscores their commitment to international standards of quality management, a shared value mirrored ICM’s own strict quality assurance protocols.
By aligning closely with regulatory bodies like the KNQA, ICM ensures that our qualifications remain highly portable, rigorously standardised, and seamlessly mapped to progression frameworks. Whether you are a student looking to globalise your career, or a centre looking to offer world-class, recognized programmes, ICM’s presence at this national level guarantees your future is secure.
We offer our warmest congratulations to the KNQA for convening an exceptional conference and celebrating ten years of framework transformation. Together, we are shaping the future of quality-assured education in Africa.
