The paucity of clear, comprehensive and current information about higher education, and internationalisation in African higher education, scratches African countries from contention in both the race within Africa, and the race globally, for quality higher education for the world's mobile students. In addition to a lack of information, other challenges may limit the development of the potential of African higher education, its students, staff, curricula and myriad opportunities for practical experience in many fields. This article explores some of these challenges to internationalisation in African higher education. In addition, Kenya is examined as a case study, and information is provided on the current shape and size of internationalisation in public higher education institutions in Kenya. Developments in internationalisation in Kenyan higher education are contrasted against developments in South African higher education, and the similarities and differences are highlighted. The authors discuss how Africa could strengthen her position through well-functioning cooperative partnerships.