BY Brenda Asugu.
Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ezekiel Machogu on the second opening of the African Continental Qualification framework (ACQF )training urges African nations to bridge between education and work .
Both Principal Secretaries Dr Juma Mukwana Principal Secretary state department (PS ) and Dr Esther Muoria principal Secretary (PS) vacational and technical training emphasised on value and qualifications which will be undergoing pragmatic dynamic transformation.
According to Machogu he considers Africa as a pivotal juncture in evolution of labour market in education system and champions policies that adapt in response to the seismic shift expanding their embracing and digital age .
As she convened the second opening of Workshop she said that globally, there is an urgent need to fortify our qualifications frameworks. A country that invests in policies aiming to give credibility and align qualifications with emerging global trends is a foresighted nation.The role, value, and currency of qualifications are undergoing a profound transformation, influenced by global megatrends that have reshaped our world.
These megatrends, includes digitalization, automation, demographic shifts, climate change, and the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic which have significantly altered the link between our education systems and the labor market that will not only contribute to Sustainable Development but also the boarder objectives of skil revolution ,social inclusion and enhancement of employability for every segment of the population.
"We must build a bridge between education and work, underpinned by qualifications of the highest quality that are trustworthy and recognized at all levels" said the Esther Muoria principal secretary (PS ) Vactional and Technical training.
Acting Director of Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) Dr Alice Kande wholeheartedly acknowledged the vital role of qualification framework in defining the relavance and quality of education .
In her speech she noted that the pursuit of knowledge and honouring skills are the ones that navigate the uncharted waters of the evolving world .she also emphasized on the significance of African nations developing their qualifications framework and to consider the issue of education reforms that will have positive impacts and response to the labour market.
According to KNQA Council Chairperson and former Baringo Governor Stanley Tipis implementation of ACQF is a timely interventionthat are aimed at addressing ills that have previously plagued the continent education system .The education reforms will bring pragmatic response in the labour market .
