A major campaign to attract Kenyan students to European universities is currently underway, following the launch of a recruitment initiative by the European Union Delegation to Kenya. This effort coincides with the increasing demand for global education among Kenya’s youth.
The EU’s initiative not only aims to foster academic exchange but also demonstrates a deeper investment in the future workforce and leadership of Kenya.
On April 5, 2025, a recruitment fair dubbed ‘Study in Europe’ was held in Nairobi, bringing together representatives from 37 universities and institutions across nine European Union (EU) member states, including Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Romania, Spain, and Sweden.
EU Ambassador to Kenya, Henriette Geiger, stated that the goal of the fair is to promote higher education opportunities in Europe while fostering lasting academic ties with Kenya. “The European Union is an excellent study destination. Studying in the European Union is a life-changing experience, and students will discover a rich cultural environment that embodies our motto, ‘Unity in Diversity,’” Geiger said.
The fair serves not only as a student recruitment platform but also as part of a broader educational diplomacy initiative. In addition to engaging with students, EU representatives are meeting with Kenyan university officials to explore institutional partnerships, research collaborations, and future exchange programs.
Many of the study programmes offered by European universities are taught in English. EU officials are eager to highlight the ease of mobility between EU countries, the quality of education, and the potential for employment after graduation.
Central to this recruitment drive is the EU’s flagship Erasmus Plus programme, which supports education, training, and youth initiatives. A remarkable Sh 80.8 billion has been allocated for partnerships with sub-Saharan Africa, including funding scholarships for Kenyan postgraduate students.
“Through our Erasmus+ program, which also provides scholarships for Master’s studies, we are strengthening collaborations between European universities and their Kenyan counterparts,” Ambassador Geiger explained.
In addition to the fair, the EU has been hosting related events in Nairobi from April 2–5. A regional seminar at Strathmore University focused on the employment outcomes for African Erasmus graduates, while a networking session brought together EU and Kenyan university leaders to explore joint projects.
Ambassador Geiger pointed out that the recruitment campaign also reflects the EU’s commitment to addressing skills gaps and boosting youth employment in Africa. “The EU is dedicated to supporting initiatives that address skill shortages and enhance job creation in Africa,” she said.
The fair also featured participation from other global institutions, such as the University of Granada, St Xavier Cabrini University, and the Catholic University of America, underscoring Nairobi’s growing role as a hub for international academic collaboration. Open to students, parents, and the general public, the event offered a unique opportunity to explore diverse educational pathways abroad.
A major campaign to attract Kenyan students to European universities is currently underway, following the launch of a recruitment initiative by the European Union Delegation to Kenya. This effort coincides with the increasing demand for global education among Kenya’s youth.
The EU’s initiative not only aims to foster academic exchange but also demonstrates a deeper investment in the future workforce and leadership of Kenya.
On April 5, 2025, a recruitment fair dubbed ‘Study in Europe’ was held in Nairobi, bringing together representatives from 37 universities and institutions across nine European Union (EU) member states, including Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Romania, Spain, and Sweden.
EU Ambassador to Kenya, Henriette Geiger, stated that the goal of the fair is to promote higher education opportunities in Europe while fostering lasting academic ties with Kenya. “The European Union is an excellent study destination. Studying in the European Union is a life-changing experience, and students will discover a rich cultural environment that embodies our motto, ‘Unity in Diversity,’” Geiger said.
The fair serves not only as a student recruitment platform but also as part of a broader educational diplomacy initiative. In addition to engaging with students, EU representatives are meeting with Kenyan university officials to explore institutional partnerships, research collaborations, and future exchange programs.
Many of the study programmes offered by European universities are taught in English. EU officials are eager to highlight the ease of mobility between EU countries, the quality of education, and the potential for employment after graduation.
Central to this recruitment drive is the EU’s flagship Erasmus Plus programme, which supports education, training, and youth initiatives. A remarkable Sh 80.8 billion has been allocated for partnerships with sub-Saharan Africa, including funding
scholarships for Kenyan postgraduate students
.
“Through our Erasmus+ program, which also provides scholarships for Master’s studies, we are strengthening collaborations between European universities and their Kenyan counterparts,” Ambassador Geiger explained.
In addition to the fair, the EU has been hosting related events in Nairobi from April 2–5. A regional seminar at Strathmore University focused on the employment outcomes for African Erasmus graduates, while a networking session brought together EU and Kenyan university leaders to explore joint projects.
Ambassador Geiger pointed out that the recruitment campaign also reflects the EU’s commitment to addressing skills gaps and boosting youth employment in Africa. “The EU is dedicated to supporting initiatives that address skill shortages and enhance job creation in Africa,” she said.
The fair also featured participation from other global institutions, such as the University of Granada, St Xavier Cabrini University, and the Catholic University of America, underscoring Nairobi’s growing role as a hub for international academic collaboration. Open to students, parents, and the general public, the event offered a unique opportunity to explore diverse educational pathways abroad.
By Mike Kihaki