Students
A German language program at Tom Mboya University has seen hundreds of enrolled learners dropping out due to challenges in mastering the language.
The initiative, launched in mid-2024 following an agreement between Kenyan President William Ruto and the German government, aimed to address labour shortages in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and other German-speaking nations by equipping young Kenyans with essential language skills. The fully sponsored program began with 1,100 learners, but a substantial portion has struggled with the language proficiency exams required for advancement. The program was designed to prepare Kenyan youths for employment opportunities in German-speaking countries.
According to German language examiner Peter Hauch, German-speaking countries have approximately 450,000 unfilled skilled labour positions annually, making proficiency in German a prerequisite for Kenyan candidates. The course at Tom Mboya University prepares learners for rigorous A1, A2, B1, and B2 level exams to assess their readiness for international careers. However, only 710 of the initial cohort passed the initial assessments, while 390 dropped out after failing.
To support struggling learners, the program offers a second chance to retake exams within a month, rather than the standard four-month waiting period. Despite this, many students have chosen to discontinue their studies, citing difficulties in language acquisition, loss of interest, or the pursuit of other employment opportunities. Gordon Opiyo, a German language training partner at Tom Mboya University, has emphasized the importance of perseverance and encourages learners to seize this potentially transformative opportunity.
Despite the challenges, remaining participants maintain optimism. Learners such as Jemima Orwa are utilizing self-study through online resources and peer group discussions to improve their language skills. Bill Owuor expresses confidence in his ability to pass the exams and anticipates sending remittances home once employed in Europe. The program integrates financial literacy to ensure students are well-prepared for both professional and personal adaptation in a new cultural environment.
Eunice Mburu, CEO of 20X Entrepreneur, emphasizes the potential for remittances from Kenyan workers abroad to stimulate local economic growth. The program seeks to ensure earnings from overseas employment contribute to long-term investments rather than fleeting expenditures.
The German language program represents a key opportunity for Kenyan youths to access global labour markets.