Dr. Francis Thiongo, Chairman School of Computing and Information Technology JKUAT (L) receiving a token of appreciation from Isaiah Mosiori, CEO Smart Applications International, Kenya (R) during the official launch of Smart Elevate Mentorship Programme at JKUAT Main Campus, Juja on 15 june, 2026.
NAIROBI, July 15, 2026 — Smart Applications International has launched the Smart Elevate Student Mentorship Programme at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), seeking to strengthen academia-industry collaboration and prepare young people for careers in Africa’s growing healthcare technology sector.
The Africa-focused initiative was launched during the Smart Career Fair, which brought together students from various schools within the university to explore career pathways, interact with healthcare technology professionals and gain insights into the skills required to participate in the continent’s digital health ecosystem.
Speaking during the launch, Smart Applications International Chief Executive Officer Isaiah Mosiori said the programme would provide students with a structured pathway from career exploration to mentorship, internships, graduate training and long-term professional development.
“Across Africa, the healthcare technology industry needs young people who understand both innovation and the realities of healthcare delivery. Investing in student mentorship is therefore not only a company priority, but an industry imperative,” said Mosiori.
He said the initiative would help bridge the gap between academic learning and workplace requirements by giving students practical exposure to emerging technologies and the realities of healthcare delivery.
“Through our initiative, students can move from career exploration to mentorship, internships, graduate training, and long-term contribution to the sector,” said Mosiori.
Smart Applications International Group Human Resources Director Jane Gikonyo said structured learning, practical exposure and professional mentorship were critical to developing a sustainable pipeline of skilled African professionals.
“The Smart Elevate Student Mentorship Programme reflects the broader need to develop African talent through structured learning, practical exposure, and professional growth,” said Gikonyo.
She said the initiative would enable the industry to identify and nurture talent early while equipping young people with the competencies needed to support digital transformation across healthcare and insurance ecosystems.
“By guiding students through mentorship, internships, and graduate training, the industry can build a sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals who contribute meaningfully to healthcare and technology transformation across the continent,” said Gikonyo.
JKUAT Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) Prof. Robert Kinyua said partnerships between universities and industry were essential in preparing students for the realities of the modern workplace.
“Partnerships between universities and industry are vital in preparing students for the realities of the modern workplace,” said Prof. Kinyua.
He said industry-linked programmes were particularly important in sectors such as healthcare technology, which require professionals with both academic knowledge and practical experience.
“Programs that give students access to mentorship, practical training, and career opportunities are especially important in critical and growing fields such as healthcare technology,” said Prof. Kinyua.
Through the initiative, students who expressed interest during the Smart Career Fair registered to begin a structured development journey that includes mentorship and career guidance, with opportunities to progress to internships and graduate trainee positions.
The programme is expected to strengthen the link between academic learning and workplace readiness by exposing students to emerging technologies, industry expectations and real-world challenges in healthcare and insurance technology.
Smart Applications International is a provider of digital healthcare and insurance technology solutions in Africa, using biometric and artificial intelligence-driven technologies to improve healthcare accessibility, provider efficiency and patient experiences.
