Dr. Dorothee Weyler, the Regional Director of DAAD, has encouraged local universities to take full advantage of European Union (EU) funding opportunities to sustain and expand their educational initiatives.
Speaking during the opening of a DAAD workshop at Taita Taveta University grounds, Weyler highlighted that increased EU funding, particularly through the Erasmus Plus program, offers valuable support for institutional development, mobility and research collaborations.
“What I really want to encourage universities to do is make use of the funding from the European Union, which will increase dramatically in the coming years. These resources can significantly boost mobility programs and institutional support,” Weyler said, noting that the funds are intended not only for Kenyan students but also for sub-Saharan Africa at large.
Weyler emphasized that DAAD’s mission is to help African universities equip students with skills that make them competitive on the global stage.
She noted that partnerships with German universities have already enabled many students to pursue postgraduate studies and research opportunities both locally and abroad, building long-term capacity within the region.
She added that as global labor markets continue to evolve, such opportunities are becoming more critical for Kenyan graduates.
“The recent labor mobility agreement between Kenya and Germany is opening doors to international job markets, providing more job opportunities for Kenyan professionals in Germany. With mutual recognition of qualifications between the two countries, professionals, including engineers, nurses, and technicians, can now more easily secure employment abroad,” she said.
Taita Taveta University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Fred Simiyu Barasa, emphasized the vital role of partnerships in advancing education.
He stressed the university’s success in training mining engineers, thanking the collaborative efforts with German universities supported by DAAD, partnerships which he said have enabled the institution to offer comprehensive academic programs, including Kenya’s first PhD in mining engineering.
“We don’t have enough local expertise in the country, but through DAAD, we’ve been able to bring in German professors who teach our programs, supervise students, and even offer online courses when needed,” Prof. Barasa explained.
Prof. Barasa pointed out that Taita Taveta University’s collaboration with German institutions has led to significant infrastructure improvements, particularly in equipping labs and workshops.
He expressed gratitude for the support received, acknowledging that government funding alone wouldn’t have been sufficient.
“Thanks to DAAD, you can visit our workshops and see the enormous infrastructure we’ve been able to develop. This is a direct result of the German government’s assistance, which continues to enhance our programs,” said Barasa.
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Moreover, the Vice-Chancellor emphasized that these international partnerships are not only advancing academic programs but are also preparing Kenyan students to take advantage of global opportunities.
Through an exchange program, the university sends up to 26 students annually to Germany for summer study, giving them exposure to international environments and skills needed to succeed in global markets.
“The labor mobility agreement between Kenya and Germany is a game changer because our students are gaining the skills and international exposure that will help them thrive in the global job market,” Barasa said.
Prof. Jan Bongaerts from Technische Universität, Freiberg, also praised the ongoing collaboration, stressing on the importance of lifelong learning.
He described the DAAD seminars as an essential platform for alumni to reconnect, share experiences, and discuss the impact of their education on their careers.
“These seminars allow graduates to stay connected, share their professional experiences, and reflect on the real-world relevance of their education,” Bongaerts said, adding that many program alumni now hold significant positions locally and internationally.
By Michael Oduor | oduormichael2021@gmail.com
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