Nursing apprentices (Cohort 3) from Mount Kenya University (MKU) and their hosts on arrival in Germany over the weekend. They 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 last week. PHOTO; Courtesy
By James Wakahiu
editor@themountainjournal.co.ke
Nursing apprentices (Cohort 3) from Mount Kenya University (MKU) arrived
safely over the weekend in Germany ready to commence learning in German
hospitals.
The MKU’s programme partner AG-Career Hub based in Germany will support
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.
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 last week.
MKU fraternity during the flagging off the Apprentice at Mwai Kibaki Convention Centre in Thika, Kiambu county.
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 apprenticeship programmes.
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 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.
A 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 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.
Photo/Vice- Chancellor Prof Deogratius Jaganyi
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.
