The Technical University of Kenya (TU-K) Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Benedict Mutua, has urged students travelling to France under the English and French Language Assistant Programme to make full use of the opportunity to broaden their academic exposure, build international networks and strengthen the University’s global visibility.
Students and alumni selected
Obren Lourmex, a Bachelor of Commerce student, and Fina Carren Adhiambo, who is pursuing a Diploma in International Relations and Diplomacy, have been selected to travel to France for seven months as English Language Assistants for the 2026/2027 academic year.
The two students will join TU-K alumni Mr. Amos Nashisako, who studied Construction Management, and Majimbo Anyangu, who studied Electrical Engineering. Amos and Majimbo were in France during the last academic year and are returning to continue participating in the programme.
French as a gateway to global opportunities
Speaking at the French Language Resource Centre at TU-K, Prof. Mutua said he was encouraged by the growing interest in French among students from diverse academic programmes. He noted that French remains an important language for international communication, education, diplomacy, research and professional development.
He commended the lecturers of French and the French Club for promoting multilingualism, strengthening student participation in international programmes and advancing the University’s global engagement agenda.
Prof. Mutua encouraged students to embrace French as a global language, saying it enhances employability, academic mobility, business prospects and access to international collaborations.
University leadership in attendance
The Vice-Chancellor was accompanied by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Research and Technology Development, Prof. Isaac Orina, and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Maurice Amutabi. They congratulated the students on their selection and encouraged them to continue flying the University’s flag high as they represent TU-K in France.
Also present were Dr. Teresa Atieno Otieno, who is in-charge of the Resource Centre, Coordinator of French language programmes and Patron of the French Club; Dr. Gladys Otieno; Mrs. Ann Wafula, Manager of the Resource Centre; Ms. Christine Juma; Mrs. Joy Shihemi; Ms. Lilian Anyetu; and Mrs. Lydia Arisi, Administrator of the Resource Centre.
A call to learn, innovate and build networks
Prof. Mutua congratulated the students for their hard work, resilience and commitment to French-related activities, as well as for representing the University in various forums. He assured them of his support and encouraged them to make the most of the opportunity.
“Consider yourselves lucky and privileged to have such opportunities. Use them wisely. Remain steadfast, grateful, creative and innovative, and build networks and collaborations that will support you in the future,” he said.
He further emphasised teamwork, innovation and continuous learning, urging the students to develop global competencies, use emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence responsibly and remain open to international partnerships.
Students highlight the impact of French
The students and alumni shared how learning French and participating in international activities, including debates organised through the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (Francophone University Agency), had expanded their academic and professional horizons.
They added that participation in group discussions, debates, workshops and technology-focused activities had prepared them for the assignments ahead.
The students acknowledged that learning French had opened doors to scholarships, study abroad opportunities, internships, industrial-based learning, employment with French organisations and companies in Kenya, and professional networks in France. They said they were determined to work hard and make the most of these opportunities.
Strengthening cultural exchange
Dr. Teresa Otieno highlighted the success of the Language Assistant Programme, describing it as an important platform for cultural exchange, language teaching and career development.
“TU-K students who have previously worked in France have showcased the institution’s competence in providing competitive technological higher education programmes,” she said.
French Club showcases digital project
During the meeting, students showcased achievements from a TU-K French Club project implemented between March and June 2026 under the guidance of the Club Patron. The project led to the creation of a WebTV platform, “Français 360° - Langue en action à la TU-K”, which promotes French language learning within the University and the wider Francophone community in Kenya.
Through the project, the Club received equipment support from the Embassy of France in Kenya and Somalia. TU-K’s French Section has also signed several memoranda of understanding to strengthen language education and expand international partnerships. Launched in 2019 by France Éducation Internationale through the French Embassy in Kenya and Somalia, in collaboration with Kenyan universities, the Language Assistant Programme continues to promote cultural and linguistic exchange between Kenya and France. It enables Kenyan assistants to teach English in France while French assistants teach French in Kenya.