Michuki National Polytechnic (MINAP) has partnered with a Russian non-governmental organization, Pathway to Russia, to introduce a comprehensive Russian language programme, in a bid to expand opportunities for Kenyan youth seeking education and employment abroad,.
The course, which targets students aiming to join universities in Russia, will serve as a preparatory step for academic placement and future job opportunities.
The initiative comes at a time when the Kenyan government is intensifying efforts to export labour to international markets, urging youth to embrace foreign languages to enhance their global competitiveness.
Speaking during the MoU signing ceremony at MINAP, Wednesday, a delegation from Moscow Polytechnic University said that Kenyan students who acquire Russian language skills stand a higher chance of securing both study placements and work opportunities in the country.
Kangema MP Peter Kihungi praised the partnership, noting that it will open new horizons for local youth.
“At a subsidised rate of Ksh55,000, students will take the full course and prepare to study and work in Russia. This is one of the surest opportunities for employment,” he said.
“Russia is a highly industrialized nation. Once they study there, they become versatile and can work both in Russia and in other European countries.”
The students will also undergo cultural and safety training to meet Russian standards.
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Kihungi further lauded MINAP’s growth, saying more global collaborations are expected as the institution expands, further revealing that the first 20 students from Kangema Constituency have already been sponsored by the NG-CDF to take the course.
MINAP Principal Ann Mbogo said the collaboration will empower young Kenyan people by equipping them to seize international opportunities.
“This partnership will help bridge the unemployment gap by preparing students for jobs abroad and giving them preliminary skills for university studies in Russia,” she said. “We are ready for this collaboration and have signed the MoU.”
Mbogo revealed that a dedicated classroom has already been set aside and will be fully equipped to Russian standards to offer a Russian study environment for the learners.
“We encourage youth with dreams of working abroad to take up this opportunity.”
The Principal added that the course—which begins in January 2026 to September 2026—will not only break language and cultural barriers but also boost career progression for participants.
Anna Semenova, the Chairperson of Path to Russia, said the programme will first be rolled out at Michuki National Polytechnic and in one selected TVET institution in Uasin Gishu county.
She noted that the partnership will also help bridge the labour shortages in Russia.
This programme gives Kenyan youth a direct pathway to Russian universities. Once they master the language, they can study and later work in Russia, where demand for skilled labour is growing,” she said.
“Learning Russian saves time, reduces the complexity of university entry, and prepares students to integrate into the country’s workforce. Russia currently has a 2.1 percent unemployment rate, meaning industries are operating without adequate labour.” She added
With the enrollment for the Russian language course at the polytechnic already taking place the first cohort set to start training in January 2026.
By Juma Ndigo
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