#17
DR. ALICE KANDE, PhD
DIRECTOR GENERAL & CEO, KNQA
As the Director General and CEO of the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA), Dr. Alice Kande serves at the helm of an institution that is charged with the responsibility of shaping the future of this country through credible qualifications. This is achieved through the implementation of the Kenya National Qualifications Framework (KNQF). The Framework provides a transparent and structured platform for organising and recognising qualifications at various levels, facilitating seamless learner progression and recognition of acquired certifications both nationally and internationally.
The KNQF is part of Kenya’s international commitment to develop an accurate, reliable and robust database of all qualifications in the country which allow for comparability, portability of qualifications and mobility of skills and labour, as well as information sharing in the education sector globally. Dr. Kande’s work has been transformative, driving policy change and strategies that significantly enhance harmony and coherence in recognition of skills and qualifications leading to production of requisite human capital that is required for economic development.
Since her appointment in December 2022, Dr. Kande has propelled KNQA to new heights, leveraging her over two decades of experience in education and senior management to build a solid foundation for the Authority’s global recognition. Her vision and strategic acumen make her not only an effective CEO but also a remarkable human-centric leader who possesses a high level of integrity and ethical practice, fostering collaboration and development.
Dr. Kande’s role in policy development has been one of her most notable achievements at the Authority. Under her leadership, KNQA has spearheaded several impactful initiatives, including development and the national rollout of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy and the Kenya Credit Accumulation and Transfer System (KCATS) Policy. These distinct policies have positioned Kenya as a trailblazer among her peers both regionally and continentally in advancing an inclusive, progressive and resilient education system, and in the context of internationalisation of education, mobility of learners, rise of digital and micro-credentials, recognition of qualifications, and lifelong flexible pathways for learning.
Her strategic focus on inclusivity and flexibility in education has broadened opportunities for many Kenyans, enabling recognition, alignment and validation of local and foreign academic certificates; mapping them within the KNQF; as well as recognition and certification of skills acquired outside the formal education system. This has provided hope and a new lease on life for many Kenyans, particularly those in the informal (juakali) sector who possess valuable skills but lack certification to prove their competence. By obtaining certificates through the RPL program, these individuals are now empowered to pursue more meaningful and dignified employment, marking a significant step forward for both personal advancement and national development.
During Dr. Kande’s tenure at KNQA, her leadership has gone beyond policy development to focus on effective resource management and institutional growth. Under her oversight, more than 120,000 graduates were registered into the National Qualifications Database, a significant first step in creating a centralised system for accessing national qualifications. This initiative has made it easier to identify fake and fraudulent certificates, providing a strategic solution to the problem of credential fraud, including inauthentic degrees, diplomas, and transcripts. These successes have been achieved through collaborative efforts with key stakeholders in the education and training sectors, including employers. Central to Dr. Kande’s professional philosophy is her belief in the power of collaboration, which has driven many of the key achievements at KNQA.
Dr. Kande’s ability to cultivate international partnerships has further elevated KNQA’s stature. During her tenure, the Authority has hosted two major continental workshops bringing together other National Qualifications Frameworks (NQF) within Africa, under the ambit of the Africa Continental Qualifications Framework. This was no mean feat, noting that over 50 countries in Africa are also implementing their respective NQFs and are at various stages of implementation. These events have positioned KNQA as a key player in educational reforms across the continent.
Dr. Kande has also steered collaborative engagements with global entities such as the International Labour Organization (ILO), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and International Rescue Committee (IRC) in mobilising resources and experiential learning opportunities that have enriched Kenya’s educational landscape. Her resource mobilisation efforts have secured increased funding and donor partnerships, a testament to her ability to forge alliances that benefit the Authority and the broader education system.
Notably, steered by Dr. Kande, the KNQA received the Wage Bill Accountability Award in February 2024 from HE President William Samoei Ruto. This prestigious recognition was awarded for demonstrating significant improvements in reducing the wage bill, consistently achieving a wage bill-to-revenue ratio of less than 35 percent for three consecutive years. Additionally, KNQA earned unqualified audit opinions from the Auditor General for three years in a row, while successfully adopting productivity mainstreaming measures. These achievements reflect the institution’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and operational excellence under Dr. Kande’s stewardship.
What sets Dr. Kande apart is her human approach to leadership. With over 40 staff under her leadership, her meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to bring out the best from every individual and collectively has pivoted the Authority as a respected institution nationally and regionally.
With a Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) degree from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), where her thesis focused on strategic management practices in Kenyan universities, Dr. Kande has demonstrated a deep understanding of how strategic frameworks can drive institutional growth. Her academic research has been published extensively, including articles on university-industry collaboration and governance in higher education, making her a thought leader in the sector. These publications serve to inform her leadership approach at KNQA, where she bridges theory and practice to drive real-world results.
Her passion for education is complemented by her strong values of service to the community. Dr. Kande is actively involved in various community initiatives, including those in environmental conservation, mobilising and distributing safe water packs in Laikipia County, and serving as Chairperson of the Christian education group at her local church. In these roles, she demonstrates commitment to improving the well-being of others, particularly through education and access to essential resources. Her ability to lead both in the boardroom and in community spaces speaks to her holistic view of leadership, where corporate success is seamlessly intertwined with social responsibility.
In addition to her leadership at KNQA, Dr. Kande’s influence extends beyond Kenya to regional and international arenas, positioning her as a leader whose impact transcends borders. She is dedicated to ensuring that education, both in Kenya and abroad, remains accessible and credible. Having lived for over two years in Japan, Dr. Kande gained firsthand experience of the meticulous nature of the education system in a developed country. She has also played a pivotal role in shaping education policies for other nations, including Lesotho and member states of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), demonstrating her versatility and capacity to influence the global education sector. Her contributions to developing Qualification Frameworks have helped guide accreditation, qualifications, and skills recognition across various contexts.
Dr. Kande recognises the invaluable support from her superiors, including Hon. Stanley Kiptis, Chair of the KNQA Council, the entire KNQA Board, Dr. Esther Muoria, Principal Secretary (PS) of the State Department for TVET, and Hon. Julius Migos Ogamba, EBS, Cabinet Secretary (CS) of the Ministry of Education. Their support has been instrumental in propelling both her and KNQA to new heights. Additionally, Dr. Kande has nurtured a strong, capable team at KNQA, which has been a key driver of the Authority’s success.
Dr. Kande began her early education in Laikipia West before moving to Nairobi in the late 1990s to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Education at Kenyatta University (KU). She later earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the same institution. A firm believer in the principle that learning is a lifelong journey, she is guided by the conviction that the pursuit of knowledge not only enriches the individual but also contributes to the betterment of communities and society as a whole.
Dr. Kande’s journey in leadership has been a testament to the power of relentless determination, continuous learning, and unwavering self-belief.
As a proud and happy wife, mother, and career woman, Dr. Kande has always been dedicated to balancing the various roles in her life. She attributes her success in both academia and her career to the unwavering support of her husband, family, and friends, who have steadfastly believed in her and offered their strong encouragement. This support system is a crucial aspect of her life, which she refers to as a ‘glass ball’ – a component she guards with great care.
AUTHOR: DR. ALICE KANDE, PhD
EDITOR: KAREN NDUKU
