Mount Kenya University’s Germany apprenticeship programme has surpassed the 100-apprentice mark, marking a major milestone in the seven-year international initiative that is opening global career pathways for young Kenyans.

The milestone was highlighted during the send-off ceremony for the sixth cohort of apprentices heading to Germany, where university leaders and international partners challenged the students to uphold professionalism, embrace cultural diversity and pave the way for future beneficiaries.

MKU Council Chairman and Pro-Chancellor Dr. Vincent Gaitho, who was the Chief Guest at the flag-off ceremony, said crossing the 100-apprentice mark demonstrated the sustainability and growing impact of the programme in preparing young people for careers beyond Kenya.

The sixth cohort, made up of 21 apprentices who are now set to start their healthcare careers in Germany, bring the total number of apprentices to 102, with the University targeting at increasing this to 200 in the upcoming year.

Gaitho challenged the departing apprentices to view themselves not only as representatives of MKU and Kenya, but also as ambassadors of Africa, capable of demonstrating the continent’s talent and contributing solutions to global challenges.

He urged them to embrace lifelong learning, remain connected to their roots and use the skills, experience, networks and resources acquired abroad to contribute to Africa’s development.

MKU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi described the Germany nursing apprenticeship programme as an expanding gateway to international careers for Kenyan youth.

He said the university’s collaboration with Hochschule Koblenz University of Applied Sciences and the AG-Career Hub was providing participants with hands-on healthcare experience, international exposure and globally competitive skills.

Jaganyi challenged the apprentices to maintain high standards of professionalism, discipline and integrity, noting that their performance and conduct abroad would influence the programme’s reputation and create opportunities for those coming after them.

The latest send-off also highlighted the progress of the seven-year collaboration between MKU and Hochschule Koblenz University of Applied Sciences, with earlier cohorts now helping newcomers adjust to professional and social life in Germany.

Prof. Christian Lebrenz from the Hochshule koblenz University of Applied University of Applied Science Germany, said previous beneficiaries were increasingly forming networks that make the transition easier for new apprentices.

“We have been able to help a number of Kenyans working in Germany, helping each other and making the road to Germany easier for others coming after them,” Lebrenz said.

Dr. Mercyline Kamande, the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academics and Research Affairs at MKU, told the students that they were pioneers whose performance would help shape opportunities for future cohorts.

She encouraged them to treat cultural differences as bridges rather than barriers while adapting to Germany’s technology-driven and apprenticeship-based training environment.

Kamande said international exposure should go beyond acquiring professional qualifications, enabling the apprentices to become globally minded professionals capable of working across cultures, building meaningful networks and contributing positively to society.

MKU’s Director of the Centre for Professional Development, Dr. Josephine Thua, said German-language training had evolved from being primarily a communication skill into a gateway to professional training, employment and international exposure.

She noted that young people, including those from non-medical backgrounds, were increasingly breaking traditional career boundaries by transitioning into nursing apprenticeships through targeted language and professional preparation.

Dr. Thua urged the sixth cohort to remain disciplined, resilient and united as they adjust to Germany’s language, culture and workplace expectations.

The university said the continued growth of the programme is creating a network of internationally trained young professionals, with each successful cohort helping to widen the pathway for those following them.

With more than 100 apprentices having now benefited, MKU and its German partners are seeking to strengthen a model that combines language preparation, professional training and international workplace exposure to equip young Africans for an increasingly glyobal labour market