Mount Kenya University (MKU) recently held a successful and vibrant Digital Career Fair on its virtual platform, showcasing its ongoing commitment to empowering students, graduates, and professionals by providing global career opportunities. The event, which attracted participants from diverse backgrounds, served as an important platform to connect them with experts, insights, and resources to navigate the dynamic global job market.
The fair, which ran for several hours, featured a robust lineup of keynote speeches, workshops, and panel discussions. These sessions were meticulously designed to inform and inspire participants on various career paths, offering actionable insights into education, work, and skill-building in the digital age.
The event kicked off with an enthusiastic opening address by Caroline Mwangi, the CEO and co-founder of AG-Career Hub, a Germany-based organization that helps bridge career gaps for youth. Mwangi set the tone for the day, stressing the importance of career development in an interconnected world and the need for youth to embrace digital platforms to access global opportunities.
A highlight of the fair was the keynote speech delivered by Dr. Martin Kimemia Gathiru, the Vice-Chancellor of Mount Kigali University in Rwanda. Dr. Gathiru emphasized the importance of digital platforms in connecting individuals with international job and study opportunities. His remarks resonated deeply with the audience, underscoring how technology can break down geographical barriers to career advancement.
Her Excellency Stella Mokaya Orina, Kenya’s Ambassador to Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic, also provided valuable insights in a session titled “Gateway to Germany: Opportunities and Requirements.” Ambassador Orina discussed various avenues for Kenyan professionals to access education and career opportunities in Germany, encouraging participants to take advantage of international programs. Her session highlighted the expanding role of global mobility in shaping successful careers.
The event featured several expert-led presentations, providing detailed insights into diverse career opportunities. Prof. Dr. Christian Lebrenz from the University of Applied Sciences in Koblenz shared crucial information on vocational training in healthcare in Germany, a rapidly expanding sector in need of skilled professionals. Meanwhile, Dr. Ing. Jörg Franke from Technische Hochschule Nürnberg explored postgraduate education opportunities in Germany, including Master’s Degree courses and the career perspectives they present.
Lutho Kote from Fintiba GmbH shed light on the visa processes and financial requirements for Kenyans wishing to study or work in Germany. His presentation, which covered essential topics like blocked accounts and the opportunity card, was a must-attend for those considering further education or employment abroad.
For those looking to enter the IT sector, Alexander Ritter from netspice GmbH discussed the growing number of remote job opportunities within the global IT landscape. Other experts, including Martin, a funding specialist, provided invaluable advice on how to apply for scholarships, and Patrick Czarnynoga from Barmer GmbH explained the nuances of Germany’s healthcare system, targeting medical professionals such as doctors and nurses.
Interactive workshops complemented the expert sessions, covering practical topics like optimizing LinkedIn profiles, exploring careers in tech, finance, and law, and understanding Germany’s vocational training system. Participants also delved into niche areas such as taxation, international law, IT tools, and specialized vocational training for migrants in Germany.
Expert facilitators such as Dr. Juliet Shali Shambi (SAP SuccessFactors), Gaby Wasensteiner (LinkedIn), and Hillary Bett (KWS Group) led workshops that enabled participants to gain hands-on experience and deepen their understanding of career development tools.
The Digital Career Fair provided invaluable opportunities for Kenyan students and professionals to engage with international experts, enabling them to explore diverse career opportunities across fields like healthcare, technology, law, and finance. The interactive sessions and live Q&A opportunities were a highlight, allowing participants to leave the event with clear, actionable steps to advance their careers.
This event is a testament to MKU’s ongoing efforts to lead the way in providing transformative career development programs. As the university continues to prepare the next generation of global professionals, it remains at the forefront of academic innovation and career development.
Looking ahead, MKU is set to host a graduation ceremony for over 7,000 graduands on December 6, with a theme focused on the internationalization of university education. This event, which will feature speeches from Prof. John Struthers, MKU Chancellor, and Amb Eunice Kigenyi, Deputy High Commissioner of Uganda, highlights MKU’s growing prominence, having recently ranked among the top three institutions in the Times Higher Education Sub-Saharan Africa University Ranking. This achievement further cements MKU’s position as a leader in shaping a competitive global workforce.
