Graduates easy open route to global jobs

Kenyan graduates have always found it difficult to access the international job market due to lack of knowledge of the market and lack of exposure.

Many well qualified individuals have seen their talents go down the drain even when this market offers lofty opportunities.

It is under this backdrop that Mount Kenya University (MKU) and Roadstar Inc on Friday last week marked five years of partnership that has been producing globally competitive graduates.

MKU celebrated its 26th graduation ceremony on Friday under the theme “Internationalisation of University Education Towards Development of a Competitive Global Workforce.”

The theme was a reaffirmation of the university’s role in shaping globally competitive professionals. During the graduation the university showcased its partnership with Roadstar Inc that has enabled the institution to internationalise education.

The Roadstar Work- Study Project, which is celebrating the fifth anniversary, has enabled MKU students to remotely work with the US logistics industry and contributed significantly to the development of a global workforce over the past five years.

Since its inception in December 2019, the Roadstar Work-Study Project has been a key element in MKU’s strategy to provide students with international exposure and practical experience in the logistics industry, particularly in the USA.

The project started with eight students and has grown steadily weathering challenges such as Covid-19.

“Today, 70 students work for Roadstar each month, gaining valuable experience in various aspects of logistics and management, with an average salary of Sh40,000. This growth is a testament to the program’s effectiveness in fostering skills that align with international industry standards,” said Victoria Vas, CEO Roadstar Inc.

The work-study programme focuses on four key areas; Call Centre Operator, Monitoring Operator, Time Management System (TMS) platform  and Office and Personnel Manager.

Vas explained that as call centre operators, the students are involved in maintaining Electronic Logbooks (ELDs) for drivers in the USA trucking industry.

“The Roadstar Work-Study Project is a prime example of how the university is working towards the internationalisation of education,” said Vas.

Prof Deogratius Jaganyi, the Vice-Chancellor, highlighted MKU’s enrollment of 60,721 students in the September-December 2024 semester.

“We have revamped our programs to address emerging trends and market demands, enabling us to graduate 7,448 students, including 12 PhDs and 617 Master’s degree holders,” he said.

Uganda’s envoy to Kenya Eunice Kigenyi who was the chief guest noted that MKU has been able to adapt to global changes. She acknowledged partnerships with German and Austrian institutions that have secured international healthcare opportunities for MKU graduates.

The graduation was held days after MKU was ranked number three out of 15 Kenyan universities that met the requirements to be considered in the globally recognised Times higher Education Sub-Saharan Africa  ranking.

Dr Vincent Gaitho, Chairman of the University Council, emphasized MKU’s role as a regional leader in global integration.

“We have established partnerships that enhance teaching and learning, including collaborations with Kenyatta University Teaching, Research and Referral Hospital, and Nanjing Zhongxing Xinyanda Information Technology Co. Ltd,” he noted.

Prof John Struthers, MKU’s Chancellor, elaborated the institution’s growth strategy, citing international consortia as a key driver.

Dr. Jane Nyutu, MKU Co-founder, underscored the university’s expanding footprint in Uganda and beyond.

“We have trained and employed many Ugandan students and professionals, and our new office block in Kibuli, Kampala, will further enhance access to quality education in South Sudan, Burundi and the DRC,” she said.

Ms Irene Nyagah and MKU alumni said: “MKU taught me to push boundaries, think globally, and act purposefully.