Promises and challenges of internationalization: a systematic review of university partnerships and campus diversity in Kenya

Purpose This study sought to interrogate the role of university partnerships and campus diversity in enhancing the relevance and competitiveness of Kenya’s higher education. Design/Methodology/Approach The study adopts a systematic review guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Framework, examining published research from 2000 to 2025. A total of 43 peer-reviewed manuscripts met the inclusion criteria. The analysis focused on staff and student diversity, the push-and-pull factors influencing staff and student mobility, the underlying rationales for campus diversity and the role of university diversity in fostering multicultural global competencies. Findings The systematic review found that university diversity served as a hallmark of pluralism and a symbol of prestige within Kenyan higher education institutions. The systematic review also highlighted that partnerships are central to internationalization, often serving as channels for accessing limited local funding, strengthening faculty capacity and enhancing institutional competitiveness. Despite these benefits, most partnerships remain dominated by the Global North in terms of agenda setting, decision-making and funding which limits their impact. This underscores the need for more inclusive, context-sensitive collaborations that address local priorities. Additionally, the study found that both partnerships and diverse campus communities play a significant role in fostering multicultural global competencies. Originality/Value This study provides a critical examination of university partnerships and campus diversity in advancing multicultural awareness as a pathway to global competencies. While diversity within the university community is essential for cultivating globally competent leaders, effective partnerships require careful evaluation of the resources involved and the extent to which such collaborations align with institutional priorities and needs.