UoN, Shimizu Corporation sign deal to train the next generation of Infrastructure Professionals
The University of Nairobi will send graduates to train with Shimizu Corporation. Shimizu Corporation is one of Japan's largest construction companies. This has been made possible under a new partnership deal signed in Nairobi on Wednesday, 10th June, 2026, formalising Kenya's entry into the Kenya–Japan Labour Mobility Agenda.
Each year, between five and ten students from Architecture, Civil Engineering, and Construction Management will be competitively selected. They will undertake a one-year Japanese language course in Kenya, targeting JLPT N3 proficiency, before proceeding to Japan for multi-year, hands-on training with Shimizu Corporation.
Prof. Ayub Gitau, the UoN Vice-Chancellor described the deal as "timely and transformative," saying it responds directly to the shift toward Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET). "Our students will benefit from structured international exposure that enhances both technical capability and professional readiness," he said.
Dr. Beatrice Inyangala, Principal Secretary for Higher Education, called it a milestone in Kenya–Japan ties. "This partnership reflects a shared commitment to skills development and sustainable growth. It enables students to access global standards in technical training while strengthening people-to-people collaboration," she said.
Shimizu Corporation Senior Managing Officer, Hitoshi Fujita, tied the agreement to Africa's infrastructure demands. "Kenya has strong human potential, and we aim to develop engineers who can contribute to infrastructure growth in Africa while gaining global experience," he said.
Kenzo Matsumoto, Human Resource Group Leader at Shimizu's Civil Engineering Headquarters, added that the objective extends beyond technical output. "We want to develop professionals with a strong sense of responsibility for sustainable development," he said.
Kenya's Ambassador to Japan, Amb. Moi Lemoshira, said the deal demonstrates what is possible when academic and industrial institutions work across borders. "This collaboration shows the value of linking Kenyan universities with Japan's industrial ecosystem to expand opportunities for young professionals," he said.
Students who complete the programme are expected to return with technical expertise and project experience relevant to large-scale infrastructure delivery in Kenya and the wider region. The partnership is expected to contribute to Kenya's growing demand for skilled infrastructure professionals, reinforcing collaboration between academia, government, and industry.
