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.
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.
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.
