Tough visa rules cut number of Kenyans seeking to study in US

An international undergraduate at the London School of Business spends an average of Sh2.6 million (£19,750) per year including living expenses while a master’s degree costs as much as Sh3.3 million (£25,000) per year.

An undergraduate or master’s degree in Kenya costs between Sh200,000 and Sh400,000 per year depending on the university.

Local universities, whose numbers have increased  over time, introduced new courses traditionally limited to public and foreign universities, tilting the ground against foreign colleges.

Not only have they  embraced technology — making it more convenient for learners to follow classes and submit their work from remote locations — they have also partnered with foreign universities to make it less compelling for Kenyans to pursue higher education abroad.

Not only have they  embraced technology — making it more convenient for learners to follow classes and submit their work from remote locations — they have also partnered with foreign universities to make it less compelling for Kenyans to pursue higher education abroad.

Dr Njenga said that in the past, lack of education opportunities linked to limited capacity and lower probability of employment were push factors for emigration to the US and Australia which had opportunities for work after graduation.

“This is becoming more difficult due to the global economic crisis,” he said.

However, Allan Goodman, president and chief executive officer of IIE says that the large increase in secondary schools in the region and in Kenya is expected to continue churning out more secondary school graduates each year, keeping the demand for higher education high.

dmugwe@ke.nationmedia.com