MKU hosts a German Embassy delegation to strengthen global education partnerships

Germany's Deputy Ambassador to Kenya Mr. Alexander Fierley (left) gets a gift from MKU VC Prof Deogratius Jaganyi during a visit by a high powered delegation from the German Embassy in Nairobi to MKU Thika Campus.  

Mount Kenya University (MKU) has hosted the German Ambassador to Kenya, who was represented the Deputy Ambassador of the Germany Embassy in Nairobi, Mr. Alexander Fierley. 

The visit focused on enhancing MKU’s collaboration with Hochschule Koblenz, particularly in supporting Kenyan students pursuing traineeships and academic opportunities in Germany. The delegates were also taken round the Thika main campus, providing insights into MKU’s facilities and learning environment.

The German delegation visited MKU as the institution continues to strengthen its bilateral ties with the German government by enhancing education through Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with various German Universities.

During the visit on April 2nd, 2025, Mr. Fierley later addressed students enrolled in German language classes and in the assistant nursing program, which prepares students for opportunities in the German healthcare sector.  He was accompanied by Ms. Kerstin Pfirrmann, Culture Attaché, and Dr. Dorothee Weyler, Director of DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service).

There was also a presentation on MKU-Hochschule Koblenz University of Applied Sciences in Germany partnership, showcasing student exchange and professional training programs. This was followed by an interactive session with students, where the high-level delegation from the German Embassy engaged the learners in discussions on studying and working in Germany.

Speaking during the visit, Deputy Ambassador Fierley reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to supporting academic exchange programs and fostering strong partnerships between German and Kenyan institutions. 

Welcoming the guests, Vice Chancellor Deogratius Jaganyi said MKU remains dedicated to expanding global learning opportunities for students, empowering them with international exposure and career development pathways. "We appreciate the continued collaboration with the German Embassy, Hochschule Koblenz, and DAAD, and look forward to even greater academic engagements in the future," he said. 

The diplomats tour came a few days after a group of nursing apprentices (Cohort 3)  from MKU arrived safely in Germany ready to commence learning in German hospitals.   The MKU’s programme partner AG-Career Hub based in Germany welcomed the learners and will be supporting them to successfully integrate into the training and working environment in German hospitals, facilitate career coaching and accompany them during their stay.

This is after the students were awarded visas and air tickets to travel to Germany during the flagging off ceremony at Thika Main Campus officiated by the Chairman, University Council, Dr. Vincent Gaitho and Vice- Chancellor Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi. The MKU top leadership heaped praises on both the German and Kenya governments during the send-off ceremony. 

Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic & Research Affairs, Dr. Mercyline Kamande said 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. 

Dr. Kamande said 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 apprenticeships.

Flagging of the learners, 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.

“This success would not have been possible without the dedication and commitment of partners in ensuring a sustainable pool of nursing professionals project. We are  committed to international collaborations that enhance education, skills development and employability,” he said.

A partnership with Hochschule Koblenz University has been instrumental in providing students with world-class training and global job opportunities. The VC 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. 

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.

“Caritas Hospital in Bad Mergentheim & Tauberbischofsheim is our healthcare partners, who provide apprenticeship opportunities to our students,” said the VC.

Congratulating both Cohorts, MKU Chairman of the Council Dr. Vincent Gaitho said MKU 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. 

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.