SMART APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL LAUNCHES STUDENT MENTORSHIP PROGRAMME TO BRIDGE HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGY SKILLS GAP

 By Faith wanza mueni 

Photo: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.

Nairobi, July 15, 2026 - Healthcare technology firm Smart Applications International has launched the Smart Elevate Student Mentorship Programme at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), in a move aimed at strengthening Africa's healthcare technology talent pipeline and bridging the gap between academia and industry.

The initiative, unveiled during the university's Smart Career Fair, seeks to equip students with practical skills, mentorship opportunities and industry exposure needed to thrive in Africa's rapidly evolving healthcare technology sector.

According to Smart Applications International Chief Executive Officer Isaiah Mosiori, the programme is designed to address the growing demand for skilled professionals capable of supporting digital transformation in healthcare systems across the continent.

"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 noted that through the initiative, students will progress from career exploration and mentorship to internships, graduate training and long-term contribution to the healthcare technology ecosystem.

The launch comes at a time when healthcare systems across Africa are increasingly embracing digital solutions, creating an urgent need for graduates who possess practical experience, technical expertise and a deeper understanding of the healthcare sector.

Industry-led graduate development programmes have become essential in preparing students for the changing job market by combining structured learning, practical exposure and professional mentorship. Such programmes help young professionals develop competencies required to support innovation, improve service delivery and contribute to long-term sector growth.

The Smart Elevate Student Mentorship Programme expands on Smart Applications International's broader talent development strategy by creating an Africa-focused pipeline that links academic learning with real-world industry experience.

Students from various schools within JKUAT participated in the career fair, where they engaged directly with healthcare technology professionals, explored emerging career opportunities and gained insights into the skills required in the sector.

Participants who expressed interest in the programme were also given an opportunity to register and begin their structured professional development journey.

Smart Applications International Group Human Resources Director Jane Gikonyo said the mentorship programme reflects the need to intentionally nurture African talent through structured learning and professional growth opportunities.

"The Smart Elevate Student Mentorship Programme reflects the broader need to develop African talent through structured learning, practical exposure and professional growth. 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," she said.

The initiative is expected to create a stronger pool of healthcare technology professionals capable of supporting innovation and improving healthcare outcomes in Africa.

JKUAT Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Prof. Robert Kinyua, welcomed the partnership, saying collaborations between universities and industry players are critical 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. Programmes 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.

He observed that such collaborations help bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, enabling students to graduate with skills that are directly relevant to industry needs.

The programme also seeks to strengthen the link between academia and industry by providing students with real-world exposure and opportunities to interact with experienced professionals in healthcare technology.

Through mentorship and internship pathways, participating students will have opportunities to progress into graduate trainee positions and eventually build long-term careers within the broader healthcare technology ecosystem.

Smart Applications International said the initiative forms part of its wider commitment to advancing healthcare accessibility, provider efficiency and patient experiences across Africa through technology-driven solutions.

The company, which specialises in digital healthcare and insurance technology solutions, has leveraged biometric and artificial intelligence-driven technologies to support healthcare transformation in several African countries.

With digital health expected to play an increasingly significant role in the future of healthcare delivery, stakeholders say programmes such as Smart Elevate could become instrumental in preparing the next generation of professionals who will lead innovation in the sector.

The launch of the Smart Elevate Student Mentorship Programme therefore marks a significant step in building a sustainable talent pipeline and fostering stronger collaboration between academia and industry in shaping Africa's healthcare technology future.