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Tag: MKU School of Nursing

  • Third Cohort of MKU nurses arrive in Germany

    Third Cohort of MKU nurses arrive in Germany

    Nursing apprentices (Cohort 3) from Mount Kenya University (MKU) arrived safely over the weekend in Germany ready to commence learning in German hospitals. 

    The MKU’s programme partner AG-Career Hub based in Germany will support the candidates to successfully integrate into the training and working environment in German hospitals as well as facilitate career coaching and mentorship in Germany to accompany them during their stay.

    This is after the students were awarded visas and air tickets to travel to Germany during the flagging off ceremony at Thika Main Campus officiated by the Chairman, University Council, Dr  Vincent Gaitho and Vice- Chancellor Prof Deogratius Jaganyi last week.

    Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic & Research Affairs, Dr Mercyline Kamande said MKU introduced German Language Training in January 2023, facing initial challenges in guiding students to B2 proficiency levels. “However, through determination and strategic improvements, 50 candidates have successfully attained B2 certification, and 35 of them have chosen to pursue careers through this initiative. I thank all the partners involved for the success of this programme,” she said.

    Dr Kamande said Cohort 4 will be introduced to the Medizinische Technologin für Radiologie (Medical Technologist in Radiology) programme, further broadening the scope career opportunities available to the health sector workers. Additionally, an AI-enabled German Language Training Program will be used, significantly enhancing learning efficiency by ensuring that even more students qualify for international apprenticeship programmes.

    MKU Vice-Chancellor, Prof Deogratius Jaganyi said the send-off of Cohort 3 and the Reception of Cohort 4 represents the success of a transformative initiative that is creating global career opportunities for Kenyan youth, especially in the healthcare sector. “This success would not have been possible without the dedication and commitment of partners in the ensuring a sustainable pool of nursing professionals” project. At MKU, we are deeply committed to international collaborations that enhance education, skills development and employability,” he said.

    A partnership with Hochschule Koblenz University of Applied Sciences in Germany has been instrumental in providing students with world-class training and global job opportunities.  The VC also praised the German Embassy for their unwavering support in this initiative by facilitating the visa issuance process within a record time of four days, and actively promoting the project through their official communication channels.

    Another partner is the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service), who support the German language training by seconding the language’s lecturers and providing scholarships to students, making education and career development more accessible.  “Caritas Hospital in Bad Mergentheim & Tauberbischofsheim is our healthcare partners, who provide apprenticeship opportunities to our students,” said the VC.

    Congratulating both Cohorts, MKU Chairman of the Council Dr Vincent Gaitho said MKU recognizes that higher education is not just about acquiring degrees—it is also about equipping students with the right skills, knowledge, and networks to thrive in today’s competitive world. “We are proud of the partnerships and collaborations that enable our students to gain both academic and practical exposure, particularly in sectors that align with Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA),” he said.

    In February 2025, MKU advertised the Preparatory Certificate Course, aimed at meeting the growing demand for health workers in Germany. Hochschule Koblenz University of Applied Sciences is the lead partner in this collaboration, specifically designed to prepare individuals for Nursing Apprenticeship (Ausbildung zum Krankenpfleger); Surgical Assistant (Operationstechnische Assistenz) and Medical Technologist for Radiology (Medizinischer Technologe für Radiologie). The program is conducted at MKU’s Main Campus, Thika and Eldoret Campuses.

    Applicants undergo a two-step aptitude test conducted online by the project partner, arbquest Befragungssysteme of Germany. To qualify for the aptitude test, applicants must be less than 29 years, have Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) with a minimum of C (Plain). However, for applicants with a B2-level proficiency in German, lower KCSE grades may be considered.

    Upon completion of the 14-week course, the graduates are offered a guaranteed apprenticeship in partner German hospitals while the organisers facilitate visas and work permits.

  • MKU’s School of Nursing re-accredited by Nursing Council

    MKU’s School of Nursing re-accredited by Nursing Council

    Mount Kenya University (MKU)’s School of Nursing has been officially presented with a certificate of re-accreditation of nursing programmes by the Nursing Council of Kenya.

    The university’s vice-chancellor, Prof Deogratius Jaganyi, says the institution was first granted approval to train nursing students in 2012.

    “The first re-accreditation was successfully conducted in 2017, and this is the second re-accreditation,” he said.

    The VC said since 2012, the nursing programme has produced over 1,200 qualified nurses who are making a significant impact in the healthcare sector both locally and internationally.

    “We have set two ultra-modern nursing skills laboratories that are utilized by nursing and other medical students,” he said.

    Prof Jaganyi said this re-accreditation underscores MKU’s unwavering commitment to providing world-class nursing education that meets and exceeds regulatory standards.

    “The Nursing Council inspected the University and affiliated Hospitals in November 2024, with an aim to increase number of nursing students per intake,” he added.

    Awarding MKU, the Registrar/Chief Executive Officer, Nursing Council of Kenya, Dr Lister Onsongo said training of nurses world over is guided by the International Council of Nurses which is the umbrella body for all nurses.

    “This council guides training and practice of nurses by setting standards to allow quality care of patients,” she said.

    “Nursing training in Kenya is anchored under the international Council of Nurses where nurses trained and working in Kenya are eligible to practice nursing in any part of the world.

    The council standards for approval or reaccreditation of training for nurses need to be met to conform with the international standards,” she added.

    The registrar said after another five years, the Nursing Council will inspect MKU again for another reaccreditation.

    “We encourage the university to keep on tract all the requirements both critical and non-critical for subsequent awards,” she cautioned.

    She said the Nursing Council of Kenya recognizes the efforts put by the institution to maintain high standards that has enabled this reaccreditation for another period of five years.

    “There are ultra-modern skills laboratories at the university worth international standards, fully equipped with high fidelity mannequins. This is an investment worth nursing training and please keep up this high standard,” she told management of the school.

    Congratulating MKU, Ms Onsongo also applauded the institution for applying for additional number of nursing students as there is a huge demand to train more nurses for local and international markets.

    “We recognize that the need to train nurses in Kenya has gone high and institutions have to be in tandem with this demand,” she said.

    Appreciating the latest re-accreditation certificate, Prof Jaganyi said the university looks forward to be awarded additional number of students by the Nursing Council.

    “Looking ahead, MKU aims to integrate cutting-edge technology and research-driven methodologies to prepare our nursing students for the evolving healthcare landscape,” he added.

    The VC said MKU values the strong collaborative relationship with the Nursing Council and remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of nursing education.

    “We extend gratitude to our dedicated staff, students, and partners who have played a pivotal role in ensuring the success of our nursing program. We also welcome aspiring nurses to join our program and be part of a legacy of excellence in nursing education at MKU,” he said.

    Present at the function was Ms Ann Mukuna, Director of Standards, Nursing Council of Kenya; MKU’s Ag. Registrar, Academic Administration; Dr. Solomon Mwaniki, Principal, College of Health Sciences, Dr. Josphat Njuguna, Dean, School of Nursing, Dr. George Njoroge.

    MKU appointed SDG 9 hub chair by UN

    The reaccreditation of nursing training comes at the time when the university has been appointed to serve as SDG 9 hub chair: Industry, innovation and infrastructure by the United Nations’ Academic Impact for a period of three years.

    Mount Kenya University (MKU) has been appointed as the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) SDG 9 Hub Chair for Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.

    This esteemed role will be held from January 2025 to December 2027.

    In the appointment letter received by MKU Vice- Chancellor, Deogratius JAGANYI, Mr. Maher Nasser, Director of the UN Department of Global Communications’ Outreach Division, highlighted MKU’s outstanding contributions to innovation and community impact.

    “The recognition is based MKU’s diverse range of initiatives that foster innovation among students and enhance the quality of life within our surrounding communities,” he said.

    Mr. Nasser said initiatives such as the Annual Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fair, along with sustainable infrastructure projects in partnership with the government, demonstrate the University’s strong alignment with the vision of SDG 9.

    Before this appointment, MKU served as the UNAI SDG Hub 10: Reduced Inequalities for three and a half years.

    During that tenure, MKU made significant strides in increasing awareness and support for people living with disabilities.

    It promoted inclusive policies, which led to notable improvements in accessibility, equal opportunities in education and employment, and greater representation in decision-making processes.

    “These efforts contributed to fostering a more inclusive society, reducing stigma, and encouraging community engagement and understanding.

    Overall, MKU has far become a model in SDGs championship presenting scholarly articles on SDGs and supporting SDGs driven projects within the university and the community at large,” said the VC.

    MKU has embraced ICT as a driver of digital transformation.

    “As we take on this prestigious role, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing SDG 9 and supporting all Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through impactful actions and collaborations for a better continent and a better world,” Prof Jaganyi added.

    He said MKU has established numerous partnerships with academics institutions, research organisations as well as with industries and businesses to provide service-learning opportunities that enhance students’ training and prepare them to be well-rounded, hands-on professionals.

    Additionally, the university boasts an Innovation and Incubation Hub, where students’ ideas are transformed into market-ready products and copyrighted innovations.

    “MKU is committed to providing a broad-based, holistic, and inclusive education system. With a vision to be a global hub of excellence in education, research, and innovation, MKU’s mission is to offer world-class education, research, and innovation for global transformation and sustainable development,” added the Vice Chancellor.