Kenya hosts a growing number of internationally affiliated colleges and training institutions offering globally recognised qualifications — from British A-Levels and Cambridge International credentials to ACCA, CIMA, CFA, PRINCE2, and American college programmes. These institutions serve Kenyan students targeting overseas university admission, expatriate families, and working professionals seeking internationally portable qualifications.
The best international colleges in Kenya combine genuine international affiliation, strong academic delivery, modern facilities, and transparent fee structures. Your choice should align with your target destination country, career goals, and budget.
Why International Qualifications Matter in Kenya’s 2026 Job Market
Kenya’s integration into the global economy has accelerated significantly. Multinational companies across Nairobi’s Upper Hill, Westlands, and Gigiri corridors actively prefer — and in some cases require — internationally recognised qualifications for senior and specialist roles. The East African Community’s growing labour mobility means that professionals with internationally portable credentials can build careers across Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and beyond without requalification. And the rise of remote work for international clients has created an entirely new category of Kenyan professionals who need credentials that global employers understand and trust.
Beyond employment, thousands of Kenyan families seek international curriculum education for their children as a pathway to overseas university admission. British A-Levels, the International Baccalaureate, and Cambridge International qualifications are the most widely recognised international pre-university credentials, and Kenya has a growing number of institutions delivering them to genuinely high standards.
The challenge in Kenya’s international education market is significant. The term “international” is commercially appealing and widely misused. Institutions that call themselves international colleges sometimes offer little more than locally developed programmes with aspirational branding. This guide cuts through that noise to identify institutions with genuine, verifiable international affiliations and the delivery quality to match.
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Categories of International Education Available in Kenya
Understanding the different types of internationally recognised programmes helps you identify what you actually need:
| Category | What It Is | Best For | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| British Curriculum (A-Levels / IGCSE) | Cambridge International AS and A-Level qualifications | University entry in UK, Australia, Canada, Kenya | KSh 300,000 – 800,000/yr |
| International Baccalaureate (IB) | IB Diploma Programme — globally recognised pre-university | University entry worldwide | KSh 500,000 – 1,500,000/yr |
| ACCA | Association of Chartered Certified Accountants — UK | Professional accountancy, global finance careers | KSh 80,000 – 250,000/yr tuition |
| CIMA | Chartered Institute of Management Accountants — UK | Management accounting, corporate finance | KSh 80,000 – 200,000/yr tuition |
| CFA | Chartered Financial Analyst — USA | Investment banking, portfolio management, finance | KSh 50,000 – 150,000/yr tuition |
| CIPD | Chartered Institute of Personnel Development — UK | Human resource management | KSh 80,000 – 180,000/yr |
| CIPS | Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply — UK | Procurement, supply chain management | KSh 60,000 – 150,000/yr |
| PRINCE2 / PMP | Project management certifications — UK/USA | Project management across all sectors | KSh 30,000 – 120,000 per certification |
| American College Programmes | US-affiliated degree programmes | US university transfer, American-style education | KSh 200,000 – 500,000/yr |
| French / German Programmes | Alliance Française, Goethe Institut | Language and cultural qualifications | KSh 10,000 – 60,000 per course |
Best International Colleges in Kenya
1. Strathmore University – International Professional Programmes
Strathmore University is Kenya’s most internationally connected private university and the strongest single institution for internationally recognised professional qualifications. Its status as an authorised tuition provider and examination centre for ACCA, its strong CIMA preparation programmes, and its internationally affiliated business school programmes make it the benchmark for international professional education in Kenya.
Strathmore is accredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants as an Approved Learning Partner — one of the highest ratings ACCA awards globally. This means Strathmore’s ACCA tuition meets internationally standardised quality requirements and its students consistently achieve above-average pass rates on ACCA examinations.
- International programmes: ACCA, CFA preparation, CIMA, international business programmes, executive education with international certification
- KCSE Entry Grade: C+ and above for undergraduate entry
- Annual Fees: KSh 160,000 – KSh 380,000 for undergraduate; KSh 80,000 – KSh 250,000 for professional programmes
- International Affiliation: ACCA Approved Learning Partner, AACSB-aligned business school, multiple international university partnerships
- Key Strength: East Africa’s most internationally respected private university, genuinely verified international programme affiliations, world-class faculty with international credentials, and an alumni network that extends across global finance, consulting, and technology organisations
2. United States International University – Africa (USIU-A)
USIU-Africa is Kenya’s most authentically international university, operating under a formal partnership with Alliant International University in the United States. Its American-accredited degree programmes, US-style liberal arts curriculum, and genuinely diverse international student body make it the closest experience to an American university education available on Kenyan soil.
USIU-A’s qualifications are recognised in the United States and internationally, making it a strong pathway for students who want American-equivalent credentials while studying in Nairobi. Many USIU-A graduates proceed to postgraduate studies at American and European universities without the requalification hurdles that holders of purely locally accredited degrees sometimes face.
- International programmes: BBA in International Business, BA in Journalism and Mass Communication, BSc in IT, BSc in Psychology, MBA with international recognition, Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management
- KCSE Entry Grade: B (plain) and above for most programmes
- Annual Fees: KSh 200,000 – KSh 450,000 per year
- International Affiliation: Alliant International University — USA; CUE accreditation in Kenya
- Key Strength: Genuine American university affiliation, internationally transferable degrees, diverse international student community, American-style semester system and GPA grading, and strong links to US graduate schools for students targeting American postgraduate programmes
3. Aga Khan University (AKU) – Kenya
The Aga Khan University is an internationally chartered institution with campuses across East Africa, South Asia, and the United Kingdom. Its Nairobi-based programmes in nursing, medicine, education, and media carry international accreditation that extends well beyond Kenya’s borders, and its graduates are recognised by professional bodies across East Africa, the UK, and beyond.
AKU’s East African operations focus primarily on health sciences and education, and its programmes are among the most rigorous and internationally respected in those fields available anywhere on the continent.
- International programmes: Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Postgraduate Medical Education, Graduate School of Media and Communications, Institute for Educational Development programmes
- Entry Requirement: Strong academic background — specific requirements vary by programme
- Annual Fees: KSh 250,000 – KSh 600,000 per year depending on programme
- International Affiliation: Aga Khan Development Network — internationally chartered across multiple countries
- Key Strength: Genuine international charter, programmes recognised across East Africa and beyond, exceptional clinical and academic facilities at the Aga Khan University Hospital Nairobi, and a strong focus on producing graduates who meet international professional standards
4. British Council Kenya – International Examinations and Programmes
The British Council is the United Kingdom’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. In Kenya, it operates as the official centre for Cambridge International examinations, IELTS testing, and several UK professional qualification examinations.
While the British Council itself is not a teaching institution, it is the gateway to a wide range of internationally recognised British qualifications and provides the examination infrastructure that supports many of Kenya’s international curriculum schools and colleges.
- Services and programmes: Cambridge International AS and A-Level examinations, IELTS preparation and testing, UK professional qualification examinations, British skills and English language programmes
- Fees: Vary by programme and examination type — check British Council Kenya directly
- International Affiliation: UK Government — British Council
- Key Strength: Official gateway to Cambridge International qualifications and IELTS in Kenya — essential for students targeting UK universities or needing internationally standardised English proficiency certification
5. International Schools Offering A-Level and IB Programmes in Kenya
Several of Kenya’s international schools offer Cambridge A-Level and International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes to post-secondary students alongside their standard school curricula. These institutions primarily serve expatriate families and Kenyan students from high-income backgrounds, but their A-Level and IB programmes are open to qualified post-KCSE students seeking internationally recognised pre-university qualifications.
Braeburn Schools (Multiple Nairobi Campuses) One of Kenya’s largest British curriculum school groups, offering Cambridge IGCSE and A-Level programmes that are directly recognised by UK, Australian, Canadian, and Kenyan universities.
- Annual Fees: KSh 800,000 – KSh 2,000,000 depending on year group
- Accreditation: Cambridge Assessment International Education
Brookhouse School – Nairobi One of Kenya’s most prestigious international schools, offering Cambridge A-Levels and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. Brookhouse graduates consistently gain admission to leading UK, US, and Australian universities.
- Annual Fees: KSh 1,200,000 – KSh 2,500,000 per year
- Accreditation: Cambridge Assessment International Education and IB Organisation
Hillcrest International School – Nairobi Offers Cambridge A-Levels and has a strong track record of UK university admissions. Its sixth form programme is accessible to post-KCSE students seeking A-Level qualifications.
- Annual Fees: KSh 900,000 – KSh 2,000,000 per year
- Accreditation: Cambridge Assessment International Education
Greensteds International School – Nakuru A well-established British curriculum school in Nakuru offering IGCSE and A-Level programmes. A more affordable option for students outside Nairobi seeking Cambridge qualifications.
- Annual Fees: KSh 600,000 – KSh 1,400,000 per year
- Accreditation: Cambridge Assessment International Education
6. KCA University – International Professional Qualifications
KCA University has built its strongest international reputation through its professional accountancy programmes, reflecting its origins as Kenya College of Accountancy. It is a registered ACCA tuition provider and offers preparation for CIMA and other internationally recognised financial qualifications alongside its CUE-accredited degree programmes.
- International programmes: ACCA qualification preparation, CIMA tuition, CPA Kenya (KASNEB), international business degree linkages
- KCSE Entry Grade: C+ for degree; C- for diploma
- Annual Fees: KSh 85,000 – KSh 185,000 per year for degree; KSh 60,000 – KSh 120,000 for professional programmes
- International Affiliation: ACCA registered tuition provider; KASNEB registered institution
- Key Strength: Strong accountancy heritage, affordable ACCA and CIMA tuition relative to premium providers, CUE-accredited degree programmes that can be pursued alongside professional qualifications, and active employer links in Nairobi’s financial services sector
7. CIPS Kenya – Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply
CIPS is one of the world’s leading professional bodies for procurement and supply chain management, headquartered in the United Kingdom. Its Kenya operations support Kenyan procurement professionals in pursuing the globally recognised CIPS qualification through approved study centres in Nairobi.
- International programmes: CIPS Level 2 to Level 6 — internationally recognised procurement and supply chain qualifications
- Study Centres: Several approved CIPS study centres operate in Nairobi — confirm current approved providers directly on the CIPS website
- Annual Fees: KSh 60,000 – KSh 150,000 per level depending on study centre
- International Affiliation: Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply — UK
- Key Strength: The global gold standard in procurement qualifications, recognised by multinational companies, UN agencies, and international NGOs operating in Kenya — particularly valuable for procurement professionals targeting international organisations in Nairobi’s Gigiri and Upper Hill areas
8. PMI Kenya Chapter – Project Management Professional (PMP)
The Project Management Institute’s Kenya Chapter supports Kenyan professionals in pursuing the internationally recognised Project Management Professional (PMP) certification — the most widely held and globally portable project management credential in the world.
- International programmes: PMP certification, PRINCE2, PMI-ACP (Agile), PMI-RMP (Risk Management)
- Study providers: Multiple approved training providers operate in Nairobi
- Fees: KSh 40,000 – KSh 120,000 for preparation training; USD 405 for PMI exam (member rate)
- International Affiliation: Project Management Institute — USA
- Key Strength: The most internationally recognised project management certification available in Kenya, valued across construction, IT, NGO, and corporate sectors and genuinely portable to employment opportunities globally
9. Alliance Française de Nairobi
The Alliance Française is France’s global network of cultural and language institutes, with a well-established and active centre in Nairobi. It offers French language qualifications that are recognised internationally, including DELF and DALF certifications that are accepted by French and Francophone universities for admission purposes.
- International programmes: DELF and DALF French language certifications, French for business, TEF Canada (French proficiency for Canadian immigration), Alliance Française cultural programmes
- Annual Fees: KSh 10,000 – KSh 45,000 per course depending on level
- International Affiliation: French Ministry of Education — globally recognised
- Key Strength: Official French government language qualifications recognised internationally for university admission, immigration purposes, and professional development — particularly valuable for Kenyan professionals targeting opportunities in Francophone Africa, France, Canada, or Belgium
10. Goethe Institut Kenya
The Goethe Institut is Germany’s cultural institute and the official provider of internationally recognised German language qualifications in Kenya. Its Nairobi centre offers German language courses and the internationally standardised Goethe Institut certificates recognised by German universities and employers.
- International programmes: German language courses at all levels, Goethe Institut certificates (A1 to C2), TestDaF (German for university admission), German for business
- Annual Fees: KSh 15,000 – KSh 55,000 per course level
- International Affiliation: German Federal Foreign Office — globally recognised
- Key Strength: Official German language qualifications recognised by German universities for admission, German companies for employment, and European Union institutions — increasingly relevant as more Kenyan professionals explore German university education and EU career opportunities
International Professional Qualifications Available in Kenya: Comprehensive Overview
| Qualification | Body | Best Career Application | Approximate Annual Cost in Kenya |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACCA | Association of Chartered Certified Accountants — UK | Global accountancy, audit, finance | KSh 80,000 – KSh 250,000 |
| CIMA | Chartered Institute of Management Accountants — UK | Corporate finance, management accounting | KSh 80,000 – KSh 200,000 |
| CFA | CFA Institute — USA | Investment management, financial analysis | KSh 50,000 – KSh 150,000 |
| CIPS | Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply — UK | Procurement, supply chain management | KSh 60,000 – KSh 150,000 |
| CIPD | Chartered Institute of Personnel Development — UK | Human resource management | KSh 80,000 – KSh 180,000 |
| PMP | Project Management Institute — USA | Project management across all sectors | KSh 40,000 – KSh 120,000 |
| PRINCE2 | AXELOS — UK | Project management — IT, construction, government | KSh 30,000 – KSh 80,000 |
| CISCO CCNA/CCNP | Cisco Systems — USA | Networking, IT infrastructure | KSh 30,000 – KSh 100,000 |
| AWS Certifications | Amazon Web Services — USA | Cloud computing, DevOps | KSh 25,000 – KSh 80,000 |
| Microsoft Azure | Microsoft — USA | Cloud infrastructure, enterprise IT | KSh 20,000 – KSh 70,000 |
| Cambridge A-Levels | Cambridge Assessment — UK | University entry worldwide | KSh 300,000 – KSh 800,000/yr |
| IB Diploma | IB Organisation — Switzerland | University entry worldwide | KSh 500,000 – KSh 1,500,000/yr |
| IELTS | British Council / IDP — UK/Australia | English proficiency for overseas study or immigration | KSh 20,000 – KSh 25,000 per sitting |
| TOEFL | Educational Testing Service — USA | US university English proficiency requirement | KSh 18,000 – KSh 22,000 per sitting |
International College Fees in Kenya: 2026 Realistic Guide
| Programme Type | Entry-Level Cost | Mid-Range Cost | Premium Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional qualification tuition (per year) | KSh 60,000 – 100,000 | KSh 100,000 – 200,000 | KSh 200,000 – 380,000 |
| British A-Level programme (per year) | KSh 300,000 – 600,000 | KSh 600,000 – 1,200,000 | KSh 1,200,000 – 2,500,000 |
| IB Diploma Programme (per year) | KSh 500,000 – 900,000 | KSh 900,000 – 1,500,000 | KSh 1,500,000 – 2,500,000 |
| International university degree (per year) | KSh 200,000 – 350,000 | KSh 350,000 – 500,000 | KSh 500,000 – 1,500,000 |
| Language certification courses (per level) | KSh 10,000 – 30,000 | KSh 30,000 – 55,000 | KSh 55,000 – 100,000 |
How to Verify Genuine International Affiliation in Kenya
This is the most critical step before enrolling in any institution claiming international status in Kenya. Here is how to verify authenticity:
For ACCA programmes: Verify the institution on the official ACCA website (accaglobal.com) under Approved Learning Partners. Any institution not on this list is not a genuine ACCA-approved provider.
For Cambridge A-Levels: Verify the school or college on the Cambridge Assessment International Education website (cambridgeinternational.org) under Find a Cambridge School.
For IB Diploma: Verify on the International Baccalaureate Organisation website (ibo.org) under Find an IB World School.
For CIMA programmes: Check the CIMA website (cimaglobal.com) for registered tuition providers in Kenya.
For PMP and PMI qualifications: Verify on the PMI website (pmi.org) for Authorised Training Partners in Kenya.
For CIPS: Verify on the CIPS website (cips.org) for approved study centres in Kenya.
For universities claiming international affiliation: Search the institution’s claimed partner university directly and confirm the partnership exists and what it specifically entails.
KCSE and Entry Requirements for International Programmes
| Programme | Minimum Academic Requirement | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Cambridge A-Levels | Minimum 5 Bs at IGCSE or B average at KCSE | School interview in some institutions |
| IB Diploma | Strong academic performance — B+ equivalent | School recommendation, interview |
| ACCA | KCSE C- with C- in Maths, or diploma in business | KASNEB or ACCA registration |
| CIMA | KCSE C or equivalent | CIMA registration |
| CFA Level 1 | Bachelor’s degree or final year student | CFA Institute registration |
| USIU-A Undergraduate | KCSE B (plain) and above | SAT optional; English proficiency |
| Aga Khan University | Programme-specific — generally strong academic record | Competitive selection process |
| PMP | Secondary education plus 36 months project experience | PMI application and audit process |
| IELTS | No formal academic requirement | Passport required for registration |
How to Apply for an International Programme in Kenya
- Identify your specific goal — overseas university admission, professional qualification, language certification, or internationally affiliated degree in Kenya.
- Research the correct awarding body for your target qualification and find their list of verified providers in Kenya directly on their official website.
- Verify the Kenyan institution’s affiliation status independently — do not rely on the institution’s own claims.
- Contact the institution for a full programme overview, fee structure, examination schedule, and student support details.
- Prepare your documents — KCSE certificate, national ID or passport, academic transcripts, and any professional experience documentation required.
- Register with the relevant international body directly where required — ACCA, CIMA, CFA, PMI, and CIPS all require direct student registration with the awarding body, separate from your tuition provider registration.
- Pay application and registration fees through official institutional and awarding body channels only — never to personal accounts.
- Begin your programme and register for examinations through the official awarding body examination portal.
Career Opportunities and Salary Premiums from International Qualifications in Kenya
| Qualification | Career Application | Salary Premium Over Local Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| ACCA (full qualification) | Finance director, audit partner, CFO track | 40 – 80% premium over CPA-only holders in multinational firms |
| CFA (all levels) | Portfolio manager, investment analyst, fund manager | 50 – 120% premium in financial services sector |
| CIMA (full qualification) | Management accountant, FP&A manager, CFO track | 30 – 70% premium in corporate sector |
| Cambridge A-Levels | UK/Australian/Canadian university admission | Gateway to overseas degree — indirect career premium |
| IB Diploma | Worldwide university admission | Gateway to top global universities |
| PMP Certification | Senior project manager, programme director | 25 – 50% premium over uncertified peers |
| CIPS (full qualification) | Head of procurement, supply chain director | 30 – 60% premium in NGO and corporate sector |
| CIPD (full qualification) | HR director, people and culture manager | 25 – 50% premium in multinational HR roles |
Salary premiums are most pronounced in multinational companies, international NGOs, UN agencies, and financial institutions operating in Nairobi. Kenyan employers in the public sector and smaller private companies may not always distinguish between local and international qualifications at recruitment level, but the premium becomes more significant at senior and specialist levels.
Pros and Cons of International College Programmes in Kenya
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Globally portable qualifications recognised across borders | Significantly higher fees than locally accredited programmes |
| Salary and career premium in multinational and international organisations | Some international qualifications less valued in Kenya’s public sector |
| Pathway to overseas university admission and postgraduate study | Verification of genuine affiliation requires due diligence |
| Professional body membership opens global networks | Examination fees paid to international bodies add to total cost |
| Increasingly required for senior roles in global companies | Some programmes require English at near-native level |
| Language qualifications support immigration and overseas study | A-Level and IB fees are prohibitive for most Kenyan families |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which international qualifications are most recognised by employers in Kenya? ACCA and CPA Kenya are the most widely recognised financial qualifications. PMP is the most valued project management certification. CIPS is the benchmark for procurement professionals. Cambridge A-Levels are the most recognised international pre-university qualification for Kenyan students targeting overseas universities. At degree level, USIU-Africa and Aga Khan University carry the strongest international recognition among Kenyan employers in multinational and international organisation sectors.
2. Is ACCA or CPA Kenya better for an accounting career in Kenya? Both are valuable and serve different career contexts. CPA Kenya is the dominant qualification for accounting careers in Kenya’s public sector, local companies, and audit firms. ACCA is more internationally portable and carries a premium with multinational companies and international organisations. Many serious accounting professionals pursue both — CPA for the Kenyan market and ACCA for international portability. Strathmore and KCA University both offer strong preparation for both qualifications.
3. Can I study Cambridge A-Levels after KCSE in Kenya? Yes. Several international schools in Kenya offer Cambridge A-Level programmes to post-KCSE students, including Braeburn, Brookhouse, Hillcrest, and Greensteds. These programmes typically take one to two years and qualify graduates for direct admission to UK, Australian, Canadian, and many other international universities. Fees are significantly higher than standard Kenyan college programmes, reflecting the cost of Cambridge examination fees and the international curriculum delivery.
4. How do I verify if a Kenyan college is genuinely accredited by an international body? Go directly to the international body’s official website and use their provider search function. ACCA, CIMA, Cambridge International, IB Organisation, PMI, and CIPS all maintain publicly searchable databases of their approved providers and registered schools. If the Kenyan institution does not appear on the official list, their claimed international affiliation is not genuine regardless of what their marketing materials state.
5. Are international qualifications from Kenya recognised overseas? It depends on the specific qualification and the country in question. Qualifications from genuinely internationally affiliated bodies — ACCA, CFA, Cambridge A-Levels, IB, PMP, CIPS — are portable and recognised globally regardless of where you studied for them. USIU-Africa’s American-affiliated degrees are recognised in the US and internationally. Locally accredited CUE degrees are generally recognised within East Africa but may require evaluation for recognition in the UK, USA, Australia, or Canada.
6. What is the cheapest route to an internationally recognised qualification in Kenya? Language certifications from Alliance Française and Goethe Institut offer internationally recognised credentials at the lowest cost — from KSh 10,000 per level. For professional qualifications, Google’s IT Support Certificate on Coursera and Microsoft Learn certifications offer internationally recognised credentials at minimal cost. For formal professional qualifications, CIPS and PRINCE2 offer internationally recognised credentials at lower total cost than ACCA or CFA.
7. Is USIU-Africa a real American university? USIU-Africa operates under a formal partnership with Alliant International University in the United States and follows an American-style academic model. It is CUE-accredited in Kenya and its qualifications are recognised internationally. It is not a campus of a US university in the traditional sense, but its American affiliation is genuine and verifiable — unlike some institutions that claim American or international status without any verifiable foreign partnership.
8. Do Kenyan employers pay more for internationally qualified professionals? Yes, but primarily in specific sectors. Multinational companies, international NGOs, UN agencies, major financial institutions, and global professional services firms operating in Nairobi consistently pay premiums for internationally qualified professionals — particularly for ACCA, CFA, CIPS, and PMP holders. In Kenya’s public sector and smaller local companies, the premium is less pronounced but grows as you progress to senior and specialist levels.
Final Verdict
International qualifications in Kenya occupy a distinct and genuinely valuable space in the country’s education landscape — but only when they are real. The gap between a genuinely internationally accredited qualification and a locally developed programme with international branding is enormous — in terms of employer recognition, career portability, and long-term career value. That gap makes the verification step non-negotiable.
For professional qualifications, Strathmore is the benchmark for ACCA and international business programmes. KCA University offers strong ACCA tuition at more accessible fees. USIU-Africa provides the most authentic internationally affiliated degree experience in Kenya. The Aga Khan University sets the standard for internationally recognised health and education programmes. And for pre-university international qualifications, Brookhouse and Braeburn are the most established Cambridge International and IB delivery institutions in the country.
The investment in a genuine international qualification is significant — both financially and in terms of time and effort. But for professionals targeting multinational employers, international organisations, overseas postgraduate study, or careers beyond Kenya’s borders, it is an investment with a measurable and often substantial return. Verify everything, enrol only in genuinely affiliated institutions, register directly with the international awarding body from day one, and build the global professional profile that Kenya’s most internationally engaged employers are actively looking for.
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