The landscape of higher education in Kenya is evolving rapidly, with institutions striving to enhance their global standing. Recognizing the need for stronger international collaboration, capacity building, and research exchange, the PROSPER project (PRomoting Opportunities and Strengthening Partnerships for Enhanced InteRnationalisation between Europe and Kenya) was initiated. This ambitious initiative, funded under the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE) program, seeks to transform the internationalisation strategies of Kenyan universities and position them as key players in the global academic ecosystem.
A Vision for Strengthened Internationalisation
Kenya’s higher education sector has immense untapped potential, yet it faces challenges in achieving seamless knowledge dissemination and collaboration with global institutions. The PROSPER project is designed to bridge these gaps by fostering institutional cooperation, best practices, and intercultural competencies. Aligning with Kenya’s Vision 2030, this initiative seeks to:
- Strengthen institutional capacities to enhance academic collaboration and research networks.
- Integrate global best practices into Kenyan universities through strategic frameworks and cooperation mechanisms.
- Encourage innovation, diversity, and knowledge exchange by providing faculty, administrative staff, and students with opportunities to engage in global academic conversations.
Key Outcomes and Impact Areas
The PROSPER project is built on a participatory and collaborative model that ensures long-term impact. The three primary outcomes of the project include:
- Establishing a robust cooperation framework – Strengthening individual and institutional capacities to foster effective internationalisation strategies.
- Institutionalizing best practices for global collaboration – Developing mechanisms, standards, and indicators tailored to Kenya’s academic landscape.
- Cultivating a culture of global engagement – Enhancing intercultural skills and providing peer-learning opportunities to faculty and students alike.
The project will also introduce innovative digital collaboration methods, boosting international relations services within institutions and enabling seamless global engagement.
A Collaborative Effort for Lasting Change
The PROSPER project brings together a consortium of five full partners and two associate partners from Kenya and Europe. The full partners include:
- University of Eldoret (Kenya)
- Open University of Kenya (Kenya)
- Training Center in Communication Africa (Kenya)
- Europa Universität Viadrina Frankfurt Oder (Germany)
- Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne (France – Project Coordinator)
Additionally, the African Network for Internationalisation of Education (ANIE) and Freie Universität Berlin (Germany) serve as associate partners, further enhancing the project’s reach and expertise.
A Structured Approach to Transformation
To ensure effective implementation and measurable outcomes, the PROSPER project is structured into six distinct work packages:
- Management (P1PS) – Ensuring smooth project administration and coordination.
- International Outreach and Visibility (TCC Africa, co-led by UoE) – Expanding the global footprint of Kenyan universities.
- International Relations Services (UoE, co-led by P1PS) – Strengthening international engagement mechanisms within institutions.
- Digital Collaboration Advancement (OUK, co-led by EUV) – Enhancing digital tools and platforms for international cooperation.
- Quality Assessment and Monitoring (Viadrina, co-led by OUK and UoE) – Ensuring continuous evaluation and improvement.
- Impact and Dissemination (P1PS, co-led by TCC Africa) – Maximizing the project’s influence and outreach.
A Step Towards a Globally Competitive Higher Education Sector
With an expected duration from January 2025 to January 2028, the PROSPER project is set to create a lasting impact on Kenya’s higher education landscape. By equipping institutions with the necessary tools, networks, and frameworks, PROSPER aims to elevate Kenyan universities to globally competitive standards.
As a key associate partner, ANIE is committed to supporting this initiative by facilitating knowledge exchange, promoting policy dialogues, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of internationalisation efforts in Africa.
Stay tuned for updates on the PROSPER project as we work together to shape the future of higher education in Kenya and beyond.