In efforts to expand global job opportunities for its students, Mount Kenya University (MKU) has secured 57 more apprenticeship placements for its nursing students in Germany through a growing network of international training partnerships.
This adds to a steadily increasing number of graduates already working in Germany under the programme, which targets the European healthcare sector since its launch in 2023.
University Council Chairman Dr Vincent Gaitho said this fifth cohort reflects the growing impact of structured partnerships in opening up employment pathways abroad.
Speaking during a celebratory send-off ceremony at Mount Kenya University’s Thika main campus yesterday, Dr Gaitho said the initiative has connected students to apprenticeship training that transitions directly into employment, making it one of the university’s most market-driven programmes.
He attributed the success to strong collaborations with German academic institutions, healthcare providers and recruitment agencies, which ensure that students receive practical training, mentorship and placement support. The model, he said, has enabled learners to seamlessly integrate into the German healthcare system while addressing labor shortages.
To enhance students’ competitiveness, the university is also strengthening its language training, including plans to become an accredited centre for TELC examinations. This will allow learners to undertake German language certification locally, reducing costs and improving access to international opportunities.
“Beyond healthcare, the institution has expanded global employment pathways through maritime training programmes, which have seen hundreds of graduates secure jobs aboard international cruise lines, further demonstrating the effectiveness of its industry-linked approach,” said Dr Gaitho.
At the same time, the University has sealed a five-year partnership with Chinese ICT institutions to advance the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal 9 (SDG 9), in a move aimed at strengthening innovation, digital skills and infrastructure development.
The agreement, signed virtually last week, brings together MKU, Nanjing Zhongxing Xinyada Information Technology Co. Ltd (Xinyada) and Nanjing Vocational College of Information Technology (NJCIT).
According to Vice-Chancellor Prof Deogratius Jaganyi, the partnership will focus on key initiatives including the establishment of a China–Africa Skills Supermarket, promotion of cloud computing platforms, staff and student exchange programmes, and joint skills-based training. It also incorporates digital cooperation such as institutional website backlinking, all aimed at strengthening digital infrastructure and fostering innovation.
Xinyada specializes in digital product development, platform building and international ICT skills training, while NJCIT offers programmes in artificial intelligence, network and communication, intelligent manufacturing and digital business.
The collaboration is also expected to support Kenya Vision 2030, the East African Community Vision 2050 and the African Union Agenda 2063 by building a skilled workforce to drive industrial growth and technological advancement across Africa.
By Muoki Charles
