WASHINGTON D.C. – The United States government is advancing a proposal that could significantly curtail or end a popular post-graduation work program for international students, including thousands of Kenyans studying in American universities. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has placed a rule on its regulatory agenda that targets the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, a scheme that allows F-1 visa students to work for up to 12 months in their field of study after graduation.

This move signals one of the most substantial shifts in U.S. international education policy in years and could have far-reaching consequences for Kenyan families who invest heavily in American education, as well as for the Kenyan economy, which benefits significantly from diaspora remittances.

The proposed rule aims to “address fraud and national security concerns, protect U.S. workers from being displaced by foreign nationals, and enhance the Student and Exchange Visitor Program's capacity to oversee the program,” according to the DHS regulatory agenda published in late 2025. While full details of the rule are yet to be published, policy analysts expect it may include replacing the current “duration of status” system—which allows students to stay for the length of their program—with a fixed four-year term, requiring students to apply for extensions to continue their studies or participate in OPT.

Impact on Kenya's Rising Student Diaspora

The United States is a top destination for Kenyans seeking higher education abroad. According to the 2024 Open Doors report from the Institute of International Education (IIE), 4,507 Kenyan students were enrolled in U.S. institutions during the 2023-2024 academic year. This places Kenya third in sub-Saharan Africa for sending students to the U.S., behind only Nigeria and Ghana. The number of F-1 student visas issued to Kenyans has also seen dramatic growth, increasing by 58% in 2023, according to the U.S. Department of State.

The OPT program is a major draw for these students. It provides an opportunity to gain practical skills and work experience, which is often a key factor in choosing to study in the U.S. While the most recent country-specific data is from the 2020/21 academic year, it showed 583 Kenyan students were participating in OPT. Given the subsequent growth in student numbers, it is highly likely that this figure has increased. The total number of international students on OPT reached a record high of 242,782 in the 2023/2024 academic year, as reported by IIE on November 18, 2024, highlighting the program's global importance.

Curtailing this program would not only make the U.S. a less attractive destination but could also disrupt a vital talent pipeline. A 2025 study by the Peterson Institute for International Economics concluded that eliminating OPT would cause permanent losses to U.S. innovation and economic growth. For Kenyan students, particularly those in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields who can get a 24-month extension, losing OPT means losing the chance to apply their skills, earn income to recoup high tuition costs, and potentially secure longer-term employment.

Economic Repercussions for Kenya

The potential economic fallout for Kenya is significant. Diaspora remittances are a cornerstone of the nation's economy, and the United States is the largest single source. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi announced on November 13, 2025, that remittances had hit a historic Ksh1 trillion as of November 2025. Data from the Central Bank of Kenya indicates the U.S. accounts for 50-55% of these crucial inflows.

Many Kenyan students on OPT send a portion of their earnings home, contributing to this total. The loss of this post-graduation income stream, however temporary, could reduce the flow of foreign currency that supports households and national foreign exchange reserves. Furthermore, the high cost of U.S. education, with tuition and living expenses potentially reaching over Ksh15 million ($120,000) annually, is often undertaken with the expectation of post-study work opportunities. Removing this prospect could deter future students, leading to a decline in enrolment and a long-term reduction in skilled Kenyans with international experience and networks.

A Shifting Global Landscape

The proposed changes come amid a broader context of tightening immigration and visa regulations in the U.S. In August 2025, the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi issued warnings to Kenyan students about strict adherence to visa rules, cautioning that skipping classes or dropping out of programs could lead to visa revocation and future travel bans. These measures are part of a stated effort to curb visa abuse.

As the U.S. considers these restrictive policies, other countries like Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia are actively competing for international talent with more welcoming post-study work policies. Analysts warn that a significant reduction in OPT could divert top global talent, including from Kenya, to these competitor nations, ultimately harming U.S. competitiveness in critical sectors like technology and healthcare.

The final details of the DHS rule are expected in early 2026. Kenyan students, their families, and policymakers will be watching closely to see how these changes will reshape the landscape of international education and the future of Kenya's diaspora. FURTHER INVESTIGATION REQUIRED on the specific number of Kenyan students currently on OPT and any official response from the Kenyan Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs.