If what is happening in South Africa is anything to go by, then perhaps Kenya should begin reconsidering South Africa as a preferred study destination for its students.
For decades, South Africa has been among the most attractive higher education destinations for Kenyans, offering world-class universities, relatively affordable tuition compared to other popular destinations and the promise of an African education with global recognition.
Today, however, that reputation of Nelson Mandela’s rainbow nation is under serious strain. The anti-immigration movement that culminated in nationwide protests on Tuesday, June 30, after activists issued an ultimatum demanding that ‘undocumented’ foreigners, aka makwerekwere leave the country, has created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty for many foreign nationals.
Although the South African government rejected the June 30 ultimatum and maintained that only the state has the authority to enforce immigration laws, the widespread demonstrations, threats and attacks have inevitably affected perceptions of safety. This affects both and undocumented migrants and many Kenyans are coming back home already.
Education diplomacy between Kenya and South Africa, and South Africa and other African countries has been one of the biggest gains in its diplomatic work and bilateral cooperation. In fact, Kenyans and other Africans who study in South Africa pay fees improving universities’ financial status and the global ranking of those varsities.
For many years, post-independent South Africa has boasted a vibrant and diverse community of scholars from across the African continent and beyond. According to Times Higher Education, popular universities such as University of Cape Town (ranked first in Africa), Stellenbosch University (joint second), University of the Witwatersrand (joint second), University of Johannesburg (joint fourth) and University of Pretoria (joint sixth) have consistently attracted high-achieving African students. The attraction is their globally competitive research, internationally recognised qualifications, strong industry linkages and extensive international partnerships.
South African institutions over the years generally offered broader research infrastructure, greater international exposure and stronger global employability outcomes than most universities in the region. Their magnetism has made South Africa a preferred destination for students seeking world-class higher education without leaving the African continent.
However, things ought to change. Why would many African students flock to a country where they are not welcome? The anti-immigration march in South Africa compounds everything. Kenyans and other Africans either need to champion better in universities in their own countries, or shift focus to places they are more welcome, where even funding is possible.
Many students go to acclaimed study destinations not only to study but also gain meaningful employment in those countries. South Africa is so volatile now that students hesitate to seek enrolment there.
While successful completion of studies may still be achievable, the prospect of securing meaningful employment or building a long-term career in South Africa has become increasingly uncertain, making it a far less attractive destination than it once was.
This emerging reality of xenophobic attacks and expulsions of fellow Africans, including those students who live in fear and self-expel themselves, is at odds with the African Union Agenda 2063 and the Continental Education Strategy for Africa (Cesa 2016-2025).
Agenda 2063 envisions “an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa" driven by the free movement of people, knowledge, skills and innovation.
Cesa seeks to promote academic mobility, regional integration and the development of human capital through collaboration among African states.
A continent where students fear discrimination, hostility, or exclusion when pursuing education across borders contradicts these aspirations.
Kenya, and in the wider context African countries, should now invest a more deliberately in strengthening their own universities.
They should also encourage students to study in countries that actively welcome international talent, protect foreign students’ dignity and provide transparent pathways to scholarships, research collaboration and employment.
Our continent, however, faces very painful realities, such as the eroded spirit of South Africa as a ‘Rainbow Nation’, metaphor was coined by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and embraced by President Nelson Mandela to describe post-apartheid South Africa.
It symbolises the harmonious coexistence of the country's diverse ethnic, cultural and linguistic groups transitioning away from decades of racial segregation.
If Africa is to build world-class universities capable of competing globally, governments must foster environments where students from every African country are welcomed, protected and empowered to contribute to the host country's social and economic development.
Otherwise, the dream of an integrated African higher education space will forever risk remaining a policy aspiration rather than a lived reality.
