Whenever you come across advertisements for international scholarships from various embassies, such as those advertised in August by the Japanese Embassy, you rarely stop to think that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had anything to do with it.
However, for any international scholarships advertised through the government or otherwise, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is at the forefront. The Ministry plays a very crucial role in developing, maintaining, and facilitating educational opportunities for Kenyans to study abroad.
It also employs the same tools to attract foreign students to Kenyan universities and colleges. The primary role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is to negotiate and secure scholarships from foreign governments and institutions.
Data from the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) indicates that about 14,060 Kenyan students are studying abroad. The US, Australia, and the United Kingdom are among the favourite destinations for many Kenyans seeking higher education. What many don't know is that the government has embraced education as part of its efforts to promote diplomacy.
Under the stewardship of Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs plays a central role for Kenyans seeking to study abroad. The Ministry engages different countries, such as the US and China, negotiating for international scholarships that are extended to Kenyans to undertake undergraduate, master’s, and PhD degrees.
Once the Ministry finalises these details, the Ministry of Education takes over. The Ministry of Education then processes these scholarships in liaison with the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs.
Subsequently, the Ministry becomes a key player, facilitating the acquisition of the requisite documents for leaving the country. It also acts as a key partner for Kenyans living abroad, providing the necessary support system to adapt to their new environment and serving as a link in case of emergencies.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry, through its various embassies, offered support to Kenyan students by providing mechanisms to access food and even repatriating those who sought to return home.
In its Kenyan Foreign Policy 2024, launched a week ago, the government has emphasised using education as a tool for diplomacy. According to the policy document, Kenya will facilitate international cooperation, promote fairness and inclusivity in education, nurture peace and mutual understanding, and support sustainable development.
“It is through academic networks in scholarship and research as well as staff and student exchanges that Kenya will forge stronger diplomatic relationships, promote its values and interests, and play a key role in fostering a more peaceful and prosperous global community,” reads part of the Foreign Policy directive.
The Ministry intends to increase educational exchanges at both student and faculty levels to improve educational outcomes and promote peace and understanding globally.
It also seeks to foster international collaboration to develop educational systems that meet global standards and position Kenya as a preferred destination for education.
In its ambitious plan, the Ministry also intends to promote the strengthening of cross-cultural understanding, advocate for the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 on Quality Education to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all, and support international collaborations in research and technological innovations.
