Bilateral relations between the Kenyan Government and the Federal Government of Germany have borne fruits with hundreds of Kenyans including students working and training abroad. Kenya and Germany signed the Migration and Employment Agreement in 2024 in Berlin which has facilitated migration of Kenyan students and skilled workers to Germany for the last one year.
Mount Kenya University (MKU) has played a pioneering role in implementing agreement through the University’s collaboration with Hochschule Koblenz University of Applied Sciences and AG Career Hub which has seen successful training and deployment of three cohorts of nursing graduates to Germany.
Speaking during the second edition of MKU’s German Career Fair and commissioning of the fourth cohort of 29 nursing students who are set to depart for Germany next month, the institution’s Vice Chancellor Prof Deogratius Jaganyi said that the partnership between the two countries has created more opportunities for jobs, skills trade as well as cultural exchange.
“On behalf of Mount Kenya University, I express our sincere gratitude for selecting the institution as a showcase institution in the Kenya-Germany skilled labour migration partnership. This recognition reflects our shared commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for our young people while strengthening bilateral ties between our two nations,” Prof Jaganyi said.
In attendance were Mr. Joachim Stamp, Special Federal Commissioner for Migration Agreements, Germany and his entourage, Kerstin Pfirrmann, Head of the Culture Department, Germany Embassy Kenya, Prof. Christian Lebrenz, Hocshule’ Koblenz of Applied Sciences, Anja Bengelstroff, German Academic Exchange Services (DAAD) and Carol Mwangi, AG -German Career Hub.
Through Germany healthcare apprenticeship programs, Mount Kenya University have taken 4 cohorts of students — and this year, we are proudly sending the 5th Cohort through our partnership with Hochschule University of Applied Sciences. Relations between German institutions and MKU run deep from offering apprenticeships to providing ICT internship opportunities under the Bavaria Africa Project, where 3 of our students are already placed at TUM (Technical University of Munich).
The VC reiterated that the university has invested heavily to ensure that the training offered meets global standards noting that they have redesigned the curricula to align with industry needs, introduced comprehensive German language proficiency programs, and adopted competency-based education models that equip graduates with the skills required to excel in international markets.
“These initiatives ensure that our students are not only academically prepared but also culturally and professionally ready to integrate into the German labour market,” he quipped. Beneficiaries of the programme have to undergo German language training which was introduced by the University in 2023. Also, an AI-enabled German Language Training Program has been pioneered to significantly enhance learning efficiency and ensure that even more students qualify for international apprenticeship programmes.
“Today’s career fair provides an important platform for our students to engage directly with German employers, government representatives, and professionals already working in Germany. I encourage all our students to take full advantage of this unique opportunity to seek guidance, explore career pathways, and understand the requirements for successful careers in Germany,” Prof. Kirira, DVC noted .
Prof Jaganyi also revealed that the University is set to expand the collaboration beyond nursing profession and introduce skilled labour migration opportunities in ICT, Engineering, technical trades and other sectors critical to both Kenyan and German economies. “Furthermore, our vision includes establishing German language as one of the foreign languages taught at MKU, and deepening partnerships with German institutions for cross-border training and digital learning programs to enhance global employability for our graduates,” Prof Jaganyi said.
He underscored the importance of skilled labour migration noting that it not only creates jobs but also contributes towards economic growth through remittances, skills transfer and knowledge exchange.
The VC reiterated that the partnership between MKU and German institutions resonates strongly with Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the National Development Plan, which prioritize youth employment and Diaspora engagement as key drivers of economic transformation.
“As a university, and in alignment with our Council’s governance framework, we are committed to ensuring that all our international partnerships are built on compliance, transparency, and sustainability,” he said. He divulged that the university is committed to fostering international partnerships that creates skills, jobs, and economic opportunities for our youth.
Mr Joachim Stamp averred that through the Migration and Employment Agreement, more opportunities will be created for skilled Kenyan youths to work in German firms and institutions.
“The number of young people working or studying in Germany is increasing, the numbers are not high yet but they are rising and we are creating more opportunities because we need qualified people to be part of our society in Germany,” he said.
Some of the beneficiaries led by Lewis Kamanga, Rose Wahuthi and Margaret Waingo were elated with the noble opportunity presented to them saying that they will utilize it to enhance their skills and grow their careers further.
Article by : By John Kamau, Star Newspaper
