Photo/University leadership led by Dr Vincent Gaitho (Chair of Council), Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi (Vice Chancellor), Dr Mercyline Kamande (DVC–ARA), Prof. Peter Kirira (DVC–APIA), and Dr Josephine Thuo (Director, Centre for Professional Development) pose for a group photo with Cohort 5 students ahead of their departure to Germany for the Nursing Apprenticeship Program.
By James Wakahiu
Mount Kenya University (MKU) has held a celebratory send-off ceremony for the 5th Cohort of nursing apprentices, marking yet another milestone in the institution’s commitment to expanding global career pathways for Kenyan youth.
The 5th cohort, comprising 27 apprentices, will depart for Germany to begin their apprenticeship training on April 1, 2026. The programme is part of MKU’s ongoing internationalisation strategy aimed at equipping students with practical skills, global exposure and giving them access to international job markets.
Since its inception in 2023, the Nursing Apprenticeship Programme has grown into one of MKU’s most impactful international initiatives. This week’s send-off brings the total number of students who have benefited from the Germany apprenticeship initiative to 81. Its success is anchored on robust partnerships with leading German institutions.
During the ceremony, the university acknowledged the role played by Hochschule Koblenz University of Applied Sciences, the key academic partner supporting programme development and implementation.
AG-Career Hub in Germany provides mentorship and supports student transition into the German healthcare system. The hub is led by Ms Carol Mwangi, who is based in Germany.
The programme’s healthcare partners in Germany include facilities in Bad Mergentheim, Göttingen, Pirmasens and Alzey, which offer high-quality apprenticeship placements.
Photo/MKU Vice Chancellor Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi awards a certificate to one of the Cohort 5 students travelling to Germany for the Nursing Apprenticeship.
MKU Vice-Chancellor, Prof Deogratius Jaganyi, said the institution is also in the process of becoming an approved TELC (The European Language Certificates) examination centre, a move that will allow students to undertake German proficiency exams locally and enhance MKU’s language training ecosystem.
In addition to the Nursing Apprenticeship programme, MKU continues to diversify global job pathways for learners.
Photo/ A section of Cohort 5 members pose for a photo during the flag off ceremony held at the Mwai Kibaki Convention Centre.
The MKU Maritime Academy in Malindi has trained 1,065 students in Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW)-related courses.
More than 400 graduates have secured placements aboard international cruise lines, including the Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, MSC Cruises and Princess Cruises.
The International Convention on STCW sets mandatory minimum safety and training standards for seafarers worldwide and was adopted by the International Maritime Organisation in 1978.
It is essential for employment on commercial vessels, covering Basic Safety Training (firefighting, first aid and survival at sea).
German language proficiency has also opened doors for MKU graduates seeking maritime employment on AIDA Cruises, a major employer within the European market.
Speaking during the event, the Chairman of the University Council, Dr Vincent Gaitho reaffirmed the council’s commitment to supporting programmes that promote youth employment, skills development and international collaboration.
He encouraged the apprentices to remain disciplined, work hard, and serve as ambassadors of MKU and their country.
The university administration hailed the Cohort 5 apprentices for their dedication and resilience in preparing for this opportunity. They were urged to uphold professionalism, integrity, and excellence as they embark on their international journey. MKU continues as a leading private institution committed to unlocking infinite possibilities through innovative training, global partnerships, and industry-driven programmes that prepare learners for modern labour markets.
Chinese ICT partnership
Last week, MKU sealed a partnership with Chinese ICT institutions to advance the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 9 (SDG 9).
The landmark five-year deal with two leading institutions from China will strengthen innovation, digital skills and infrastructure development in line with its global role as the UN’s Academic Impact (UNAI) Hub Chair for SDG 9 — Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.
The agreement, signed virtually on 18 March 2026, brings together MKU, Nanjing Zhongxing Xinyada Information Technology Co. Ltd (Xinyada) and the Nanjing Vocational College of Information Technology (NJCIT).
The deal is expected to drive large-scale skills development and digital transformation across Kenya and the broader African region.
According to MKU Vice Chancellor Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi, the collaboration aligns with the university’s mission to promote world-class education, research and innovation for sustainable development.
“We have already received the first consignment of ICT equipment from Xinyada, which will support teaching and research,” he added.
The partnership will focus on several flagship initiatives, including the establishment of a China–Africa Skills Supermarket, promotion of cloud computing platforms, exchange programmes for staff and students and joint skills-based training. It also involves digital cooperation, such as institutional website backlinking. The efforts are geared toward strengthening digital infrastructure and fostering innovation — a key pillar of SDG 9.
Xinyada, a recognized high tech enterprise in China, specialises in digital product development, platform building and international ICT skills training. NJCIT, one of China’s top state-owned ICT institutions, offers industry-leading programmes in artificial intelligence (AI), network and communication, intelligent manufacturing and digital business.
It already collaborates with universities in South Africa and Ethiopia.
The partnership will also contribute to Kenya Vision 2030, the East African Community Vision 2050, and the African Union Agenda 2063 by building a skilled workforce capable of driving industrial growth and technological advancement across Africa.
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