Mount Kenya University Unveils International Program with Germany and Austria Partnerships

Mount Kenya University (MKU) has launched an innovative international program in collaboration with prestigious institutions in Germany and Austria.

This initiative aims to provide MKU students with invaluable experience in the global healthcare landscape, offering them unique opportunities to gain practical skills and knowledge in diverse medical settings.

MKU founder and chairman, Prof. Simon Gicharu, presents travel documents to the second cohort of students heading to Germany for a nursing apprenticeship. | Photo courtesy of MKU

Nursing students at MKU will have the opportunity to participate in an apprenticeship program at the University of Koblenz in Germany, supported by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). This exchange will allow students to practice in German hospitals, offering a unique chance to understand various international healthcare systems.

In addition, the program includes an apprenticeship opportunity in Austria through a collaboration with Lebenshilfe Tirol, an organization dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities.

A notable component of the program is the requirement for German language proficiency. "Effective communication and cultural integration are essential," MKU stated. The university has engaged Ms. Charlotte Katharin Filbry as the language trainer, who will prepare students with the necessary skills to navigate life in a new environment and fully immerse themselves in the learning experience.

MKU's founder, Prof. Simon Gicharu, shared a personal anecdote that underscores the importance of language skills. During a tour in Germany, Prof. Gicharu encountered a language barrier that led to the unexpected loss of his camera. He remarked, "This experience taught me the crucial role of linguistic and cultural understanding," highlighting the real-life applications of the program's language training.

In addition to the international program, MKU is spearheading several other projects. These include the establishment of the Malindi Maritime Academy, a centre for esports training, and an innovation and incubation centre funded by a World Bank grant. These initiatives aim to broaden the scope of opportunities available to MKU students across various fields.

During the recent 25th graduation ceremony, Prof. Gicharu announced that certificates would be unconditionally released to graduates who were unable to collect them due to financial constraints. "This gesture is intended to support our graduates in securing employment," he stated, reaffirming MKU's commitment to the success of its students and the wider community.

Mount Kenya University continues to innovate in education, striving to produce graduates with a global perspective. With a vision to empower future leaders, MKU remains dedicated to providing transformational education that fosters positive change worldwide.