Kenya introduces new law aimed at discouraging Nigerian students from studying in country

Immigration has introduced a new rule that will see foreigners looking to study in Kenya first obtain police clearance certificates as part of their application.The country's institutions of higher learning admitting foreign students will be in charge of collecting police certificates alongside other documents, and forward them to the Immigration Department for processing of student passes.Director of Immigration, Maj Gen (rtd) Gordon Kihalangwa said that sutdents first prove their origin."All foreigners seeking admission to our local institutions must prove they have been cleared by the police in their country of origin," he said."Police clearance should serve as an extra assurance that these individuals do not have criminal records. Some of them claim they are coming here to study but are simply using it as a front to engage in activities that may pose a security risk."This comes after numerous reports of foreign students misbehaving and leading to increase of use of drugs, deaths and insecurity.After dozens of of Nigerians were arrested illegally living in Roysambu area and were deported, government has been forced to introduce new laws that will force them to prove their identities before entering the country in search of education.Nigerian nationals must also secure a National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) clearance certificate."The area around TRM shopping complex (a Nairobi upmarket area) is especially notorious. However, we are seeing more and more of these individuals moving to live in places like Githurai where they think they are not on our radar," said Mr Kihalangwa.

The applicants are also required to provide copies of their academic certificates, proof of funds, and a commitment letter from the sponsor.

Minors must provide a consent letter from parents as well as copies of their parents' national passports.

"Every week, and at our cost, we deport as many as five individuals who are staying in the country illegally and who pose a risk to our society. The new rule for students will go a long way in bolstering our fight," said Mr Kihalangwa.