# The Shadow Scholar Industry: A Systemic Phenomenon Revealed at Fipadoc 2025
In response to the emergence of a sector as surprising as it is unexpected, the documentary “Shadow Scholars” by British director Eloise King questions the social, economic and technological dynamics surrounding the practice of academic writing in Kenya. More than 40,000 Kenyans, using sophisticated digital platforms, allow students from prestigious institutions, such as Oxford, to complete their academic work in exchange for often disappointing remuneration. This phenomenon, far from being marginal, represents an industry with a turnover of several billion euros.
## A System of Global Relations
The question arises: why is this economic model concentrated in Kenya, a country that one might not imagine as the cradle of such a practice? Seen as a legacy of colonialism, the fact that many Kenyans speak English as their first language is telling in itself. This must be seen in the global context, where English is often synonymous with academic success in many countries, especially former British colonies. Unlike other African regions, Kenya has also benefited from urbanization and technological development. It has become a digital beacon on the continent, with unparalleled infrastructure supported by innovations such as M-Pesa.
## The Collaborative Economy and its Shadows
The explosion of this “industry” raises fundamental questions about academic ethics and working conditions within the collaborative economy. On the one hand, it is crucial to observe the economic aspirations that motivate these writers. Many of them, in a country where unemployment remains high, have found a means of subsistence. In comparison, writers in Kenya are said to face fewer economic risks than those who choose more traditional careers, such as teaching or research, which are often unstable.
On the other hand, this phenomenon must be analyzed in light of other similar practices around the world. For example, freelance platforms in India, where thousands of workers are commissioned for various tasks, are evidence of a global trend. This is not just a black market; on the contrary, it represents a new type of economy, still unexplored by many academic institutions.
## An Evolving and Risky Context
The research of King and Professor Patricia Kingori subjects a rapidly evolving reality to analysis. While academic cheating and plagiarism are traditionally stigmatized, this sector could contribute to the broadening of the conversation on the evaluation of the value of the degree and of knowledge. The specter of illegality, amplified by the recent enforcement of laws against the provision of such services, in turn raises concerns about the safety of the actors involved. By anonymizing faces with artificial intelligence, the film attempts to protect these silent voices, but it also raises questions about the future of ethics in audiovisual documentation, itself driven by technological advances.
## The Impact on Knowledge and Culture
To conclude, the impact of this reality is not limited to simple economic transactions. It redefines the notions of knowledge and merit in academic environments promulgated by the Anglosphere. Kenyans, through their ability to respond to a growing demand, are shaking up the traditional perception of academic production.
The documentary “Les Érudits de l’ombre” goes beyond the simple presentation of a phenomenon: it invites a reflection on academic integrity in the digital age, questioning the values and norms that we take for granted. As the world of universities evolves, essential questions emerge: who holds the knowledge? Who is the true author of knowledge, in an interconnected world where the boundaries of identity and honesty are blurred?
Consequently, this investigation transcends local issues, calling for a global awareness of the implications of contemporary academic practices, at a time when knowledge, more than ever, becomes a commodity exchanged at a price.