Kenyan engineering graduates will soon gain from global training as well as technology transfer and employment opportunities after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Japan’s Shimizu Corporation and the University of Nairobi (UON) and the Technical University of Kenya (TUK).
Under the Kenya-Japan Labor Mobility Agenda, the partnership will enhance engineering skills development and knowledge exchange while also preparing graduates for entry to the global labor market and strengthening university-industry collaboration.
Speaking after the signing ceremony in Nairobi, Principal Secretary for Higher Education and Research Dr. Beatrice Inyangala said the contract represents a step just like previous steps in the right direction at strengthening partnerships between universities and industry, specifically high-technology companies now and in the future.
According to Dr. Inyangala, Kenya has desired for years a much closer working arrangement between institutions of higher learning and industry players that would help bridge the gap of innovation, research capabilities, and practical skills among graduates.
“This partnership comes at a time when we are implementing the National Education Sector Strategic Plan, which places emphasis on strengthening Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programmes,” she said.
The PS mentioned that the collaboration will support the government’s plan to invest in engineering education and improve the internationalisation of higher education through partnerships with global institutions and industries.
In this programme, selected graduates will receive one year of Japanese language training before going to Japan for jobs and practical industry experience.
Dr. Inyangala noted that this initiative will help graduates gain hands-on experience in modern technologies, architecture, and construction practices while introducing them to new innovations in the engineering field.
Mr. Hitoshi Fujita, Director of Global Business at Shimizu Corporation, stated that the company hopes participating graduates will learn construction site management skills and gain practical experience in Japan before returning to contribute to the growth of the construction industry back home.
Fujita explained that the programme is a long-term effort and is part of the company’s larger commitment to supporting skills development and improving cooperation with Kenya and Africa.
He added that graduates who perform well in the programme might also find job opportunities in other regions where Shimizu operates, including parts of Southeast Asia.
“This should not be a short-term program. Our commitment is for the next 20 to 30 years, and we are dedicated to making it successful with collaboration from both sides,” he said.
University of Nairobi Vice Chancellor Prof. Eng. Ayub Gitau welcomed the partnership and mentioned that the institution will conduct a competitive selection process while ensuring gender balance and regional inclusivity.
Technical University of Kenya Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Eng. Benedict Mutua stated that the programme targets graduates who have finished engineering studies and will combine language training with practical industrial exposure.
The partnership is expected to strengthen Kenya’s engineering capacity, improve job prospects for graduates, and enhance educational and economic ties between Kenya and Japan.
By Sharon Njeru and Nancy Omondi
