Kenya-Germany ties hailed as third cohort of health students departs for Europe

Mount Kenya University (MKU)’s top leadership yesterday heaped praises on both the German and Kenya governments as Cohort 3 health students under the nursing apprenticeship programme finalized preparations to depart for internships in Germany.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic & Research Affairs, Dr Mercyline Kamande said  the send-off of Cohort 3 and the reception of Cohort 4, is a testament to MKU’s shared vision of empowering eKenyan youth with world-class opportunities in the healthcare sector.

MKU introduced German Language Training in January 2023, facing initial challenges in guiding students to B2 proficiency levels. “However, through determination and strategic improvements, 50 candidates have successfully attained B2 certification, and 35 of them have chosen to pursue careers through this initiative,” she said.

MKU Vice-Chancellor, Prof Deogratius Jaganyi said the send-off of Cohort 3 and the Reception of Cohort 4 represents the success of a transformative initiative that is creating global career opportunities for Kenyan youth, especially in the healthcare sector.

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He added that this success would not have been possible without the dedication and commitment of partners in the ensuring a sustainable pool of nursing professionals” project.

“At MKU, we are deeply committed to international collaborations that enhance education, skills development and employability,” he said.

Prof Jaganyi added that their partnership with Hochschule Koblenz University of Applied Sciences in Germany has been instrumental in providing students with world-class training and global job opportunities.

“The German institution is our key academic partner, playing a vital role in shaping this program and ensuring that Kenyan students receive quality education and seamless integration into the German healthcare system,” he noted.

He also praised the German Embassy for their unwavering support in this initiative by facilitating the visa issuance process within a record time of four days, and actively promoting the project through their official communication channels.

“Their commitment to this program has ensured a smooth transition for our students, further strengthening the Kenya-Germany partnership in skills development,” he said.

He also reaffirmed MKU’s commitment to expanding international partnerships to create more employment opportunities for the institution’s graduates.

“We support the government of Kenya’s vision for skills development, youth employment, and economic transformation. We also ensure our students remain globally competitive by integrating industry-relevant training into our academic programs,” he said.

MKU Chairman of the Council Dr Vincent Gaitho said the institution recognizes that higher education is not just about acquiring degrees—it is also about equipping students with the right skills, knowledge, and networks to thrive in today’s competitive world.

“We are proud of the partnerships and collaborations that enable our students to gain both academic and practical exposure, particularly in sectors that align with Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA),” he said.

The chairman said collaborations with institutions such as Hochschule Koblenz University of Applied Sciences in Germany are in line with the government’s efforts to enhance technical skills, increase international opportunities for Kenyan youth, and bridge the employment gap.

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“The State has emphasized the importance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a driver for industrial growth. At MKU, we support these efforts by ensuring our programs are aligned with industry needs, global trends and international standards,” he added.

Dr Gaitho said the maritime, healthcare, engineering, and logistics sectors—where many of MKU students will be placed—are critical to Kenya’s economic growth and international trade.

“We are committed to working closely with government agencies such as the Kenya Maritime Authority, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Labour to ensure that our students are well-prepared to seize opportunities both locally and internationally,” he said.

He told Cohort 3 learners to be good ambassadors of Kenya.

“The global job market is competitive, but Kenya has some of the most talented youth. Use your training to make a difference. Represent our country with dignity and showcase the values of hard work, discipline, and innovation,” he exulted.

Dr Gaitho said the Government of Kenya is investing in young people to transform the economy.

“We encourage you to contribute by bringing back your knowledge and experiences to help shape the nation’s future.  The Cohort 4 joining MKU are now part of a leading institution that nurtures talent, fosters innovation, and prepares students for global opportunities. Take full advantage of the mentorship, training, and resources at your disposal,” he said.

The chairman reaffirmed the University Council’s commitment to supporting the government policies on higher education, youth employment, and global workforce integration.

“We will continue to work with both the private and public sectors to ensure that our students are globally competitive, professionally trained, and ready to contribute to national development,” he said.

By Kamau Njoroge