Kenyan universities are increasingly positioning students for global job markets, with 29 nursing graduates from Mount Kenya University (MKU) set to begin work and training in Germany next month under a labour migration partnership between the two countries.
The opportunity follows the 2024 Kenya–Germany Migration and Employment Agreement, which created structured pathways for Kenyan students and skilled workers to access apprenticeships and jobs abroad. MKU, in collaboration with Hochschule Koblenz and AG Career Hub, has already facilitated the deployment of three cohorts of nursing graduates, with the fourth now preparing to depart.
University leaders say the initiative is reshaping higher education by linking learning directly to international employment. “We have redesigned our curricula, introduced German language proficiency programmes, and adopted competency-based training to ensure our students meet global industry standards,” said MKU Vice Chancellor Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi during the institution’s German Career Fair in Thika.
ALSO READ;
Embattled teacher sues TSC over defamation, demands apology and cleared record
Students participating in the programme must undergo intensive German language training, a requirement introduced at MKU in 2023. To strengthen learning, the university has also launched an AI-supported language programme to accelerate proficiency and expand access.
For many students, the initiative is a bridge between education and career. “This is a chance to grow and gain international exposure that will benefit not just us but also our country when we return,” said nursing graduate Lewis Kamanga, who is among those leaving for Germany.
Germany’s Special Federal Commissioner for Migration Agreements, Joachim Stamp, noted that demand for skilled workers in Europe is creating new opportunities for Kenyan graduates. “The number of young people from Kenya working or studying in Germany is rising. We need qualified people, and partnerships like this one are helping to meet that need,” he said.
ALSO READ;
PS Bitok assures of timely capitation release, smooth grade 10 transition
The collaboration is expected to expand beyond nursing to include ICT, engineering, and technical trades, areas where Kenyan universities are already beginning to adjust their curricula to meet international labour market demands.
Education experts argue that the programme illustrates how Kenyan institutions can combine academic learning with practical skills training to boost employability. However, the model has also raised questions about balancing opportunities abroad with local workforce needs, a debate tied to youth unemployment and brain drain.
Still, stakeholders agree that initiatives like the Kenya–Germany partnership contribute to Kenya’s Vision 2030 agenda, which identifies youth employment and diaspora engagement as key to economic growth.
By John Kamau
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
