By Vera Njambi
Higher Learning is set against the backdrop of the fictitious yet cosmopolitan Kilimanjaro University. The University is set in the metropolis, where students from different various walks of life come together unite in the pursuit of Higher Learning. As the drama unfolds, we are introduced to six characters, King (Nick Ndeda), whose affinity for campus politics has him struggling to keep his academic affairs order.
Reba (Wanja Mworia) a simple girl from the country, who soon sheds her naïveté. Albert (Charles Ouda), whose academic indifference, makes him incapable of graduating on time. O.O (Joseph Gitau) the campus hustler. Jessica (Janet Kirina) a bookish medical student who is determined to succeed at whatever cost. Aida (Veronica Waceke) A sassy mouthed bad girl who has mastered the art of self-preservation, and finally, Linah (Marion Wambui) a Christian fundamentalist. The show centers on these characters, as they seek to weave their way through the drama of campus politics, young and illicit love affairs, the struggle for social acceptance, and the pursuit of self-realization.
Aida, is the quintessential bad girl. The kind of girl who swallows up men like hot air, and has successfully managed to convince herself that she is altogether independent, altogether unaffected by the affections of men. However, her relationship with Sanjay, a man with a simmering, explosive rage exposes her vulnerability. Her idea of love leaves her tethered to a man who devalues her and continually dismisses her opinions. Her self-preservation makes her almost incapable of having meaningful human connections with those around her. However, for all of her failings and she is blessed with uncomfortable gift of empathy, which makes her sensitive to the emotional needs of those she considers friends. Her friendship with Lina allows us a glimpse of her underlying humanity.
Enter Professor Mashaka (David Mulwa). A stern academic, who besides teaching, nurses a perverse liking for some of his female students. He lures them with promises of good grades in exchange for sexual favors- a promise he almost never delivers upon. As is the case with Linah, who in her desperation for academic success, buys into his promise and willingly engages him in his perverse whims, only to be disillusioned in the end.
Kira (Valerie Kimani), joins the show in its third season. As Kira joins the university, she is still quite obviously still stuck in the half girl, half woman transitional phase, and it this haziness, which makes her easily impressionable. Through her interactions, she undergoes a metamorphosis, and we see her shed off her childish exuberance, as she takes on the worldly ways of her peers.
The show achieved immense success due to the fact that prior to its creation, the creative team behind the show conducted a series of focus groups, with various University students. These interactions allowed them to have a feel of life in cosmopolitan universities today. Consequently, they were able to create a show that stayed true to regular life, and this resonated with their target demographic- Campus students.
Higher Learning ran for 4 seasons of 13 episodes each and was shot on location in Nairobi. Higher Learning has been nominated for the AMVCA 2014 to take place in early March in Lagos, Nigeria.
Veronica Waceke, best actress in a drama
Valerie Kimani in the best supporting actress in a drama
David Mulwa in the best supporting actor in a drama