Thika: University dons have urged the government to place skilled professionals at the centre of Kenya’s labour export programme, saying international opportunities will only benefit the country if graduates are adequately trained and prepared for global workplaces. The scholars from Mount Kenya University (MKU) stressed the importance of exporting trained and resilient skilled labour that can successfully engage in the global market.
According to Kenya News Agency, University Council Chairman and Pro-Chancellor Dr. Vincent Gaitho emphasized the need for Kenya to bolster the preparation of professionals seeking international job opportunities, in order to enhance their competitiveness. Speaking in Thika during a send-off ceremony for 21 nursing students headed for apprenticeship opportunities in Germany, Dr. Gaitho highlighted that labour export should be viewed not merely as a means to reduce unemployment, but as an opportunity to strategically position Kenyan professionals in sectors with high global demand for their skills.
Dr. Gaitho further advocated for structured training and partnerships with foreign institutions as essential components in broadening employment opportunities for Kenyan youth abroad. This approach ensures that they compete based on skills and professional competence rather than being deprived of their professionals domestically.
The current group of 21 students marks the sixth cohort benefiting from MKU’s collaboration with Hochschule Koblenz University of Applied Sciences in Germany, raising the total number of apprentices who have participated in the programme to 102. The university stated that the partnership, ongoing for seven years, integrates professional training with German-language preparation, facilitating participants’ transition into the German healthcare system.
MKU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi emphasized the programme’s role in providing students with practical experience, international exposure, and skills that align with the demands of the healthcare sector. He urged the apprentices to leverage the opportunity to expand their professional capabilities while upholding high standards of discipline and integrity.
Prof. Christian Lebrenz of Hochschule Koblenz noted that previous Kenyan apprentices have established networks in Germany, aiding new participants in adapting to their new environment. MKU announced plans to increase the number of apprentices sent to Germany to 200 in the coming year, as it seeks to expand pathways for Kenyan professionals pursuing global career opportunities.
