Kenya, Japan partnership to open global opportunities for engineering graduates

SHARON NJERU AND NANCY OMONDI-KNA

Kenya n en g i ne er i n g graduates will soon gain from global training as well as technology transfer and employment opportunities after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Japan’s Shimizu Corporation, University of Nairobi (UON) and Technical University of Kenya (TUK).

Under the Kenya-Japan Labor Mobility Agenda, the partnership will enhance engineering skills development and knowledge exchange while also preparing graduates for entry to the global labor market and strengthening university-industry collaboration.

Speaking after the signing ceremony in Nairobi, Principal Secretary for Higher Education and Research Dr. Beatrice Inyangala said the contract represents a step just like previous steps in the right direction at strengthening partnerships between universities and industry, specifically high-technology companies now and in future.

According to Dr. Inyangala, Kenya has desired for years a much closer working arrangement between institutions of higher learning and industry players that would help bridge the gap of innovation, research capabilities and practical skills among graduates. 

“This partnership comes at a time when we are implementing the National Education Sector Strategic Plan, which places emphasis on strengthening Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programmes,” she said.

The PS mentioned that the collaboration will support the government’s plan to invest in engineering education and improve the internationalisation of higher education through partnerships with global institutions and industries.

In this program, selected graduates will receive one year of Japanese language training before going to Japan for jobs and practical industry experience.

Dr. Inyangala noted that this initiative will help graduates gain hands-on experience in modern technologies, architecture, and construction practices while introducing them to new innovations in the engineering field.

Mr. Hitoshi Fujita, Director of Global Business at Shimizu Corporation, stated that the company hopes participating graduates will learn construction site management skills and gain practical experience in Japan before returning to contribute to the growth of the construction industry back home.