DRICE exposes students to Kenya-Japan labour mobility and career opportunities

Participants of the Japan Study and Career Opportunities session held at the ICT Theatre, Daystar University Athi River Main Campus.

By Edith Temba

[Athi River Campus: 1st July 2026] Daystar University hosted delegates from Japan at the ICT Theatre, Main Campus Athi River.

The event, organized by  both School of Science Engineering and Health, and Directorate of Research, Innovation, Commercialization, and Entrepreneurship (DRICE), was eye-opening for Daystar University students.

Representing the Daystar Chaplaincy, Athi River Campus Pastoral Assistant Ms. Tabitha Mutheu shared a devotion from Luke 15:8 on the parable of the lost coin, in which she encouraged students to light their lamps, sweep the entire house, and search diligently, just as the woman did.

“Many times, when opportunities come, they will meet preparation, and only the prepared individual will be able to grab them,” she said, likening ‘sweeping the entire house’ with putting their papers and CVs in order.

The first speaker Mr. Baraka Munene, a Kenyan who benefited from the programme and is now working in Japan explained how Japan’s population is declining with a severe labour shortage, hence a great opportunity for unemployed Kenyans who wish to work or study in Japan.

“What makes working in Japan a great opportunity is the demand,” he said, further advising students to learn the Japanese language as it will give them competitive advantage.

Ms. Sharon Kinyanjui, also a delegate working in a shipping and logistics company, explained how Japan was recruiting young people from Africa, saying they chose Kenya because it is a highly developed country.

She spoke about the requirements for getting into Japan, including the documents needed and qualifications. She described Japan as a very clean, developed, safe and secure country to live in, whether it’s for work or study.

Mr. Chiaki Hoshino, a Japanese business consultant working for the Asia-Africa Investment and Consulting (AAIC) here in Kenya talked about the Japanese culture and what to expect in terms of cultural differences.

“If you want to work in Japan, understanding these differences in advance will give you a big advantage,” commented Mr. Hoshino.

He talked about three important attitudes to note which are important for the Japanese culture namely punctuality, communicating when late, and lastly thinking about how one’s actions affect other people.

Innovation Officer ,Research, Innovation, Commercialization, and Entrepreneurship (DRICE)  Mr. John Nderitu addresses participants during the Japan Career and Study Opportunities Forum held at the ICT Theatre, Daystar University Main Campus, Athi River.