We are delighted to announce that our 4th cohort of nursing apprentices from Kenya arrived in Germany on 27th of September 2025, marking another significant step in our ongoing partnership under the SGAO Research Project.

With this arrival, the total number of placed Kenyan nursing students now stands at 54, distributed across several partner hospitals in Germany.

This milestone also marks the beginning of our collaboration with a new partner institution — Gemeinschaftsklinikum Mittelrhein Koblenz — where the newly arrived students have already begun their professional training.

We extend our sincere appreciation to our existing partner hospitals, Caritas-Krankenhaus Bad Mergentheim and Krankenhaus Tauberbischofsheim, for their continued collaboration and trust. Their support and engagement have been instrumental in shaping and strengthening this programme from the very beginning.

One of the most inspiring aspects of this initiative has been the peer-led support network developed by earlier cohorts. Previous students have been actively welcoming and mentoring the new arrivals, offering practical guidance, emotional support, and friendship. Each new student is paired with a buddy, ensuring they receive personalized support as they adapt to their new environment.

 
 

Acknowledgements

We gratefully acknowledge the contributions of our key partners:

  • University of Applied Sciences Koblenz – serving as the research lead and providing essential academic leadership. Special appreciation goes to the SGAO Team — Prof. Christian Lebrenz, Caroline Mwangi, Julia Reindel, Dr. Christopher Mutembei, Samuel Muli, and Susan Dettmer — for their dedicated coordination, onboarding, and cross-border support.
  • Mount Kenya University (MKU) – for leading project implementation efforts in Kenya, including student onboarding, training coordination, and preparation for integration into the German healthcare system.
  • AG-Career Hub – for its continued mentorship and support through its network of Kenyan professionals and alumni in Germany.
  • The German Embassy in Nairobi – for its invaluable assistance in streamlining the visa application process, enabling timely placements for our students.

We also express our gratitude to all institutional partners for their contributions, including:

  • Covering travel and accommodation
  • Organizing airport pickups and essential supplies
  • Supporting onboarding and documentation processes
  • Providing cultural orientation and a warm welcome

As we celebrate the successful arrival of Cohort 4, preparations are already underway for Cohort 5, which has commenced pre-departure training and visa processing in Kenya.

This initiative remains part of a broader, research-driven effort focused on sustainable labour mobility, skills development, and healthcare system strengthening in both Germany and Kenya. We look forward to continuing this collaborative journey and expanding our partnerships with more institutions that share our vision.