Rose Wanja, Chairperson at Albury Training Institute
The Albury Training Institute has called on Kenyans seeking overseas job opportunities to prioritize acquiring German language skills, warning that a lack of language proficiency has led to deportations, indiscipline cases, and missed opportunities abroad.
Speaking in Radisson Blu hotel and residence Nairobi Arboretum, Albury Chairperson Rose Wanja emphasized the importance of discipline and language mastery for anyone planning to work in Germany. “We have seen over 200 Kenyans leave through our programs in the past two years, but only 88 remain. Some disappeared, others moved to countries like Canada, Austria, or the UK without following the proper procedures,” she said.
She cautioned that such behavior risks undermining bilateral agreements between Kenya and Germany, which have opened doors for many job seekers. “Any Kenyan going abroad should remember they are ambassadors. Indiscipline jeopardizes opportunities for others,” she stressed.
Peter Hauck, INLEGAS pedagogical Director. A German language expert with Albury Training Institute teacher, showcasing German language to students
The Albury Training Institute offers German language instruction from A1 and A2 beginner levels to advanced B1 and B2 levels. The institution partners with local TVET colleges to equip students with both technical and language skills. It also facilitates embassy-approved German exams, whose certifications are recognized by embassies in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, helping successful candidates secure work visas.
Peter Hauck, a German national and pedagogical director of INLEGAS, who flew in from Germany to oversee the exams, said language skills are critical for integration. “In Germany, we’ve been integrating refugees since 2016, and I’ve been teaching adults German very successfully. Anyone coming to Germany must pass recognized exams without error,” he explained.
Rose Wanja having good time with students at Radisson Blu hotel and residence Nairobi Arboretum
The impact of language barriers was echoed by Tabitha, a seasoned hospitality worker in Germany and Albury student here in Kenya. She recounted her struggle at a German train station due to limited speaking skills. “Though I had studied up to B2 level, speaking was my biggest problem. No one was willing to speak English; they expect you to speak German,” she said.
Similarly, a Kenyan former cruise worker in Germany shared how even basic German knowledge from A1 and A2 helped him navigate transport and daily tasks upon arrival. “Without language, you’re stuck. I couldn’t even ask for directions in English,” he recalled.
Wanja encouraged sign language teachers to volunteer, noting that some migrants face emergencies but struggle to communicate due to language limitations. “We are sponsoring the first five sign language trainers because we’ve realized there is a growing need,” she said.
Albury Training Institute Team, photo after enjoying dinner
The institute has partnered with verified job placement agents in Kenya to help learners secure legitimate jobs abroad. Returnees from Germany praised the country for its discipline and competitive salaries, noting that those with B2 level German have a significant advantage.
Wanja urged Kenyans to treat language learning as an essential tool for survival and success overseas. “The German language is the key. Without it, you risk being isolated and unproductive.”