KCA University Strengthens Higher Education Internationalisation at the SHINE Project Transnational Workshop in Bulgaria

KCA University has reinforced its commitment to advancing higher education internationalisation through its participation in the SHINE Transnational Workshop for the Co-design of the Staff Professional Development Programme, held at the University of National and World Economy (UNWE) in Sofia, Bulgaria, from 7th – 9th October, 2026.

The workshop formed part of the SHINE project — Strategic Approach to Higher Education Internationalization for Nations in East Africa — funded by the European Union under the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education programme. The project is working towards strengthening institutional capacity for internationalisation by supporting the development of strategies, professional competencies and collaborative mechanisms within participating higher education institutions.

The workshop brought together 17 representatives (physically and virtually) of the SHINE consortium, comprising partner universities and organisations from Kenya, South Sudan, Uganda, Italy and Bulgaria. It provided a collaborative platform for reviewing project progress, refining the staff professional development curriculum, sharing institutional experiences and strengthening cooperation towards more effective internationalization.

KCA University was represented by Prof. Vincent Onywera, DVC -Research Innovation and Outreach, Prof. Simon Ngigi, Director, Centre for Teaching and Learning Excellence and Ms. Sweeny Tindi, Research Development Officer who contributed to key discussions on staff capacity development and institutional internationalisation. The team presented the revised staff training programme curriculum on internationalization that adopts a Professional Certificate structure with a mandatory foundational module, shared competencies and an integrated assessment approach designed to strengthen learning and practical application. Also presented was the University’s institutional approach to internationalization which outlined the University’s ongoing priorities, including development of a standalone Internationalisation Policy, expansion of student and staff mobility opportunities, strengthening of international student recruitment and deepening strategic partnerships. These initiatives reflect KCA University’s commitment to building a more globally connected institution that creates opportunities for students, academic staff and administrative personnel to engage in international learning, research and collaboration.

Through its active participation in the SHINE project, KCA University continues to contribute to a coordinated regional approach to internationalisation, strengthening staff capacity, institutional systems and international partnerships. The University’s engagement in the project also advances its broader ambition to enhance global visibility, expand mobility opportunities and create meaningful international collaborations that contribute to quality higher education and sustainable institutional development.

Beyond the technical sessions, the workshop featured intercultural exchange and networking activities, including visits to Plovdiv and a guided tour of Sofia. These engagements provided opportunities for participants to deepen cross-cultural understanding, exchange institutional experiences and strengthen relationships across the consortium.

The SHINE project is funded by the European Union. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.