Five students from Githunguri, Kiambu County, are set to benefit from a free training course in German language at Mount Kenya University (MKU) before being attached for a paid internship in German hospitals from mid-next year.
This follows a partnership between MKU and Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba through her Mamacare initiative, where the university has paid Sh500, 000 for the training.
The students, some of whom are university graduates, commenced learning at MKU’s main campus in Thika town last week.
During the launch of the Mamacare programme in her constituency, Wamuchomba said the opportunity will open doors for her constituents to work abroad.
She called on the locals to take advantage of such training programmes which she said have long-term returns.
“Learners should be alert when such opportunities present themselves and take advantage since the prospects have better returns in the long run,” she said.
MKU has a pact in place with Germany’s Hochschule Koblenz University of Applied Sciences to offer a two-semester Germany course to health care students, after which they will be released to German hospitals for internships as well as job placement.
The pact helps bridge the shortfall in the number of healthcare workers in Germany, where those who retire are not adequately replaced.
According to Dr. Christopher Mutembei, Director, MKU Centre for Professional Development and Kenya project coordinator, the students will go for further training in German hospitals at an initial salary of about Euro 1,200 (Sh170, 000) per month.
Through the programme, students who complete the course in Kenya will be facilitated during their stay abroad, and upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, students will be offered career opportunities for full-time employment, exposing them to extensive further specialised training opportunities in German hospitals, among other benefits.
By Muoki Charles
