The Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) has confirmed Alice Kande as its Director General.
Kande has been holding the position in acting capacity since December 7, 2022.
She has been the acting DG following the exit of Juma Mukhwana who now serves as Principal Secretary State Department for Industry.
Kande will hold the position for a five-year period.
“Following deliberations and careful consideration, the council appoints Alice Kande as the Director General/Chief Executive officer for a five-year term,” KNQA Chairperson Stanley Kiptis said on Monday.
Before the appointment, Kande served as Deputy Director in charge of Planning, Research, Outreach and Policy at KNQA.
KNQA advertised the position on November 28, 2023 and received a total of 36 applications.
The Council shortlisted 12 candidates who were interviewed between February 27 and 28, 2024 .
Kande holds a doctorate degree in Business Administration (Strategic Management) from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.
She also holds a Master’s in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Education both from Kenyatta University.
Kande is a member of the Kenya Institute of Management and Academy of International Business-SSA Chapter.
Prior to joining KNQA in 2021, Kande was a Senior Researcher at the Commission for University Education(CUE).
“We have confidence in her leadership and hope she will steer the organization well, she has delivered for the period she served as acting director General ,” Kiptis said.
“The Council congratulates Kande on her appointment and thanks all the candidates, stakeholders and Kenyans for their participation in the recruitment and selection process,” he added.
Kande previously taught at Riara University School of Business and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.
She has promised to work together with all stakeholders in order to realise KNOA mandate.
Kande has been instrumental in the development of various national policies at the Authority among them the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy that was launched in March this year by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Other policies that Kande has coordinated are development of Kenya Credit Accumulation and Transfer System (KCATS) and Registration and Accreditation Policy Framework.
