The Kenya National Qualifications Framework (Amendment) Bill, 2026
Status Timeline
Proposed
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Public Review
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Debate
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Executive
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Final
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Mandatory Registration for Qualification Awarding Institutions
Under the newly inserted Section 18B, any qualification awarding institution is prohibited from awarding a national qualification unless it is formally registered to do so. The Bill defines these bodies as institutions mandated to conduct examinations or assessments and award national qualifications.
Up to KSh 500,000 Fine for Unregistered Awards
Any qualification awarding institution that contravenes the registration requirements of section 18B(1) commits an offence. Upon conviction, the institution faces a fine not exceeding 500,000 shillings, imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or both.
Establishment of a Central Qualifications Database
Section 18C requires the Kenya National Qualifications Authority to maintain, update, and publicise a database of national qualifications. This database will include foreign qualifications that have been harmonised and recognised, with access regulated in accordance with the Data Protection Act and the Access to Information Act.
90-Day Award Reporting Requirement
Registered qualification awarding institutions are required under Section 18D to submit a formal notice to the Authority of all national qualifications awarded within 90 days of the award date.
Repeal of Conflicting Basic Education Act Provisions
The Bill repeals Section 68 of the Basic Education Act (Cap. 211). This removes the redundant role of the Cabinet Secretary in establishing a National Qualifications Framework under that Act, aligning authority solely under the Kenya National Qualifications Framework Act.
Bill No.
No. 53 of 2026
Gazette No.
Supplement No. 199 of 2026
Sponsor
Kimani Ichung'wah
Background
The Kenya National Qualifications Framework (Amendment) Bill, 2026, aims to streamline the administration and development of national qualifications in Kenya. By consolidating the responsibility of the qualifications framework under the Kenya National Qualifications Authority, the Bill establishes clear registration pathways for assessment bodies and ensures a single, unified database of qualifications.
Key Amendments
- Amendment of Section 2 (Cap. 214): Introduces the definition of "qualification awarding institution" as an entity mandated to conduct assessments or examinations and award national qualifications.
- Repeal of Section 5 (Cap. 214): Removes old qualification award provisions to prevent conflict with the newly established framework.
- Amendment of Section 8 (Cap. 214): Assigns direct responsibility to the Authority to develop the National Qualifications Framework and register awarding institutions.
- Insertion of Part IIA: Introduces sections 18A through 18E, which bind all qualification awarding institutions to the Framework, outline registration mandates, and establish a national qualifications database.
- Repeal of Section 68 of the Basic Education Act (Cap. 211): Consequentially repeals duplicate framework development provisions previously overseen by the Cabinet Secretary for Education.
New Obligations
- Registration Requirement: Qualification awarding institutions must obtain formal registration before issuing any national qualifications.
- Notification of Awards: Institutions must submit details of all qualifications awarded to the Kenya National Qualifications Authority within 90 days of issuance.
- Database Access Compliance: The Authority is mandated to provide access to its database to Government agencies and stakeholders in compliance with the Data Protection Act and the Access to Information Act.
Penalties
- Illegal Award of Qualifications: Any institution that awards national qualifications without proper registration under Section 18B commits an offence and is liable to a fine not exceeding 500,000 shillings, imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or both.
Transitional Provisions
- Repeal of Section 30 (Cap. 214): Repeals the spent transitional provisions of the principal Act.
Gazettement
The Bill was published in the Kenya Gazette No. 199.
First Reading
The Bill was read a First Time in the National Assembly.