It's thumbs up to the German, Kenya governments as MKU’s third group of nurses departs for Europe

Mount Kenya University (MKU) Vice-Chancellor Professor Deogratius Jaganyi

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

The nursing apprentices were awarded visas and air tickets to travel to Germany during the flagging off ceremony officiated by the Chairman University Council Dr Vincent Gaitho and Vice- Chancellor prof Deogratius Jaganyi at MKU Thika campus.

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 Kenyan 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. I thank all the partners involved for the success of this programme,” 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.

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 said 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.

Another partner is the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service), who support the German language training by seconding the language’s lecturers and providing scholarships to students, making education and career development more accessible.  

Also holding hands with MKU is the AG-Career Hub, Germany, who are key partners in mentorship and professional integration, ensuring that our students transition smoothly into their careers in Europe.

“Caritas Hospital in Bad Mergentheim & Tauberbischofsheim is our healthcare partners, who provide apprenticeship opportunities to our students. Each of these partners has played a critical role in ensuring that our students are not only academically prepared but also professionally equipped to thrive in the international healthcare sector,” said the VC.

According to Dr Kamande, while the Pflegefachkraft (Nursing) program has been the foundation for Cohorts 1, 2, and 3, Cohort 4 will be introduced to the Medizinische Technologin für Radiologie (Medical Technologist in Radiology) programme, further broadening the scope career opportunities available to the health sector workers. Additionally, an AI-enabled German Language Training Program will be used, significantly enhancing learning efficiency by ensuring that even more students qualify for international apprenticeship programmes.

“With these advancements, we are now in a strong position to deepen our engagement with partners and expand the scope of this initiative. Our vision is to develop even more collaborations, ensuring that Kenyan students have access to diverse and rewarding career pathways in Germany and beyond,” noted the DVC.

She urged the new Cohort 4 students to make friends and seek mentors from Cohort 3 group, leverage the resources available, and build strong networks. “Our Cohort 3 beneficiaries have worked tirelessly, shown resilience, and seized the opportunities before them. I urge you to be ambassadors of excellence, carrying forward the knowledge and skills gained a MKU,” she said.

Dr Kamanade thanked all partners, faculty and all stakeholders for their unwavering support to the program. 

“Together, we are redefining the future of Kenya’s workforce on a global scale,” she said.

Prof Jaganyi told the Cohort 3 students they are now joining the global workforce and are expected to make a significant impact in the healthcare profession. 

“You rank among the pioneers. Your success will open doors for many more Kenyan students. Be professional, hardworking, and ambassadors of excellence,” he said, cautioning them to continue learning, growing and finding ways to contribute back to Kenya’s healthcare system in future.

Congratulating the new Cohort 4 freshers, the VC said they are stepping into a structured and well-supported apprenticeship pathway that aligns with Kenya’s development goals and the global demand for healthcare professionals. 

“Use this time wisely to learn, engage, and prepare for the exciting journey ahead,” 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.

Congratulating both Cohorts, 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. 

“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.

In February 2025, MKU advertised the Preparatory Certificate Course, aimed at

meeting the growing demand for health workers in Germany. Hochschule Koblenz

University of Applied Sciences is the lead partner in this collaboration, specifically designed to prepare individuals for Nursing Apprenticeship (Ausbildung zum Krankenpfleger); Surgical Assistant (Operationstechnische Assistenz) and Medical Technologist for Radiology (Medizinischer Technologe für Radiologie). The program is conducted at MKU’s Main Campus, Thika and Eldoret Campuses.

Applicants undergo a two-step aptitude test conducted online by the project partner, arbquest Befragungssysteme of Germany. To qualify for the aptitude test, applicants must be less than 29 years, have Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) with a minimum of C (Plain). However, for applicants with a B2-level proficiency in German, lower KCSE grades may be considered.

Upon completion of the 14-week course, the graduates are offered a guaranteed apprenticeship in partner German hospitals while the organisers facilitate visas and work permits. The programme partner ‘AG-Career Hub’ based in Germany supports the candidates to successfully integrate into the training and working environment in German hospitals as well as facilitate career coaching and mentorship in Germany to accompany them during their stay.