About the Qualification Framework 2020-11-10T09:27:49+00:00

National Qualification Framework

The KNQF is a learning outcome-based qualifications framework, comprising of all educational and training sectors and all forms of learning; formal, non-formal and informal learning.  The KNQF comprises of levels, each being identified by a unique set of Level Descriptors.  In order to place a qualification on any KNQF level, the learning outcomes (L.O) of each unit comprising a qualification and the overall qualification learning outcomes are mapped against these Level Descriptors.  At each level, the Level Descriptors are classified into three separate strands (categories) covering Knowledge, Skills and Competencies.

The principles for which the KNQF is established is to promote access to and equity in education, quality and relevance of qualifications, evidence-based competence, and flexibility of access to and affordability of education, training assessment and qualifications. The decision to develop the Kenya National Qualifications Framework was made after several challenges were found to be facing the education system in the Kenya.  These include:-

  • Globalization, technological change and transformation;
  • Poor linkages between qualifications and the labour market;
  • Lack of consistency in qualifications (even among institutions offering same level qualifications); Bottlenecks and Dead ends;
  • Absence of a system for comparing qualifications to each other;
  • Pathways of progression between qualifications was unclear and cumbersome;
  • The Value of qualifications to employers and learners was not clear unclear;
  • The Country had an education system that was not able to address its social-economic and technical challenges appropriately;

For more details about the Qualification Framework, Click here to download a detailed document

Qualification Framework