The German delegation led by Deputy Ambassador to Kenya Mr Alexander Fierley (4th left) poses with the MKU faculty and team led by VC Prof Deogratius Jaganyi (fourth from right) during a visit by a high powered delegation from the German embassy in Nairobi to MKU Thika Campus.
MKU Hosts German Embassy Delegation to Strengthen Global Education Partnerships
Mount Kenya University (MKU) recently hosted a high-level delegation from the German Embassy in Nairobi as part of its efforts to expand international education and career opportunities for Kenyan students. The delegation was led by Mr. Alexander Fierley, Deputy Ambassador of Germany to Kenya, and included Ms. Kerstin Pfirrmann, Cultural Attaché, and Dr. Dorothee Weyler, Director of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).
The April 2, 2025, visit focused on enhancing MKU’s ongoing collaboration with Hochschule Koblenz University of Applied Sciences. Key areas of discussion included support for student exchange programs, traineeships, and academic initiatives in Germany.
The guests toured the university’s Thika Main Campus and interacted with students enrolled in German language and assistant nursing programs, designed to prepare them for careers in the German healthcare system.
A presentation on the MKU–Hochschule Koblenz partnership highlighted the success of student exchanges and professional training programs. This was followed by an engaging interactive session where the German delegation answered students’ questions about studying and working in Germany.
Speaking during the visit, Deputy Ambassador Fierley reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to supporting academic exchanges and strengthening ties between German and Kenyan institutions. Vice Chancellor Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi welcomed the delegation and emphasized MKU’s dedication to global learning.
“We value the strong collaboration with Hochschule Koblenz, DAAD, and the German Embassy. Together, we are unlocking international career paths for our students,” said Prof. Jaganyi.
The visit came shortly after the successful departure of the third cohort of nursing apprentices to Germany. The group was flagged off at Thika Main Campus by MKU Council Chair Dr. Vincent Gaitho and Vice Chancellor Prof. Jaganyi.
Upon arrival in Germany, the students were received by AG-Career Hub, MKU’s program partner, which is facilitating their integration, career coaching, and support throughout their training in German hospitals.
Dr. Mercyline Kamande, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic and Research Affairs, noted the university’s milestone in language training.
“Since introducing German language classes in January 2023, 50 students have attained B2 proficiency, with 35 now pursuing healthcare careers in Germany. This reflects the dedication of our students and the effectiveness of our academic partnerships,” she said.
Looking ahead, MKU plans to expand its training programs to include the Medizinische Technologin für Radiologie (Medical Technologist in Radiology), thereby broadening healthcare career options for Kenyan students.
The university is also incorporating an AI-enabled German language training system to enhance learning outcomes and support more students in qualifying for international apprenticeships.
Prof. Jaganyi hailed the swift visa processing—achieved in just four days—by the German Embassy and praised Hochschule Koblenz and DAAD for their continued support. He also recognized Caritas Hospital in Bad Mergentheim & Tauberbischofsheim as key healthcare partners offering apprenticeship placements.
Council Chair Dr. Vincent Gaitho congratulated the outgoing and incoming student cohorts, emphasizing that higher education should equip students with practical skills and global exposure.
“We are proud of the partnerships that align with Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA),” he said.
In February 2025, MKU launched a Preparatory Certificate Course tailored to meet the increasing demand for healthcare professionals in Germany. Hochschule Koblenz leads this initiative, targeting Nursing Apprenticeships (Ausbildung zum Krankenpfleger), Surgical Assistance (Operationstechnische Assistenz), and Medical Radiology Technology (Medizinischer Technologe für Radiologie). The course is available at MKU’s Thika and Eldoret campuses.
Applicants undergo a two-stage aptitude test administered online by arbquest Befragungssysteme, a German project partner. Eligible candidates must be under 29 years old, hold a KCSE mean grade of at least C (Plain), although exceptions are made for those with B2-level German proficiency. Upon completing the 14-week training, graduates receive guaranteed apprenticeships in German hospitals, with support for visas and work permits provided by the program organizers.
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