Government steps up surveillance on fake certificates
Kenya’s National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) is doubling down on efforts to combat the use of counterfeit certificates infiltrating the country’s employment system.
In an interview with Nairobi News, Acting Director General Dr. Alice Kande highlighted the persistent challenges posed by technological advancements, which have made it increasingly easier to produce fake documents.
Despite these hurdles, KNQA emphasises the crucial role of authentication processes on all academic certificates, urging employers to directly verify certificates with issuing institutions.
Despite our intensified efforts, challenges persist,” stated Dr. Alice Kande. “Technological advancements have made it easier to create counterfeit documents, posing a significant threat to the integrity of our education system. However, we remain steadfast in our commitment to combatting this issue.”
Dr. Kande emphasized the collaborative efforts between KNQA and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) authorities. “Our partnership with TVET authorities is crucial in ensuring quality across the entire certification process,” she explained. “From policy implementation to conducting audits, we work tirelessly to uphold standards.”
Addressing concerns about a skills mismatch between graduates and the job market, Dr. Kande stressed the importance of collaboration between educational institutions and industries. “Employers have highlighted the reality of a skills gap among graduates,” she noted. “It’s imperative that we align curricula with industry needs to bridge this divide.”
Dr. Kande also highlighted recent progress in addressing the skills gap. “The approval of a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy signifies a significant step forward,” she announced. “This policy will play a crucial role in addressing skills mismatch by recognizing and validating the skills and knowledge acquired through informal learning and work experience.”
In conclusion, Dr. Kande reiterated KNQA’s commitment to ensuring the integrity of qualifications in Kenya. “We are determined to tackle the issue of counterfeit certificates head-on,” she affirmed. “Through collaboration with stakeholders and the implementation of robust policies, we will continue to safeguard the credibility of our education system.”
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