The ‘MCM’ project of the same name, funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), is strengthening the field of technical communication in East Africa. It thereby responds to the growing demand for qualified professionals capable of conveying information in a clear and target-group-appropriate manner. The third cohort began in September 2025 and is currently in its second semester. The first graduates from the inaugural cohort are expected this coming autumn.
Project overview
The MCM project is an international collaborative initiative run by Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences (HKA) and Pwani University (PU), which began in January 2021. It is based within the Faculty of Information Management and Media (IMM) at HKA, as part of the Communication and Media Management (KMM) degree program. On the German side, the project is headed by Prof. Sissi Closs and Prof. Dr. Michael Tewes. Belinda Oechsler acts as project coordinator on the German side, and Edith Miano on the Kenyan side. The project is being implemented by a well-coordinated, committed and interdisciplinary team from both universities. The project aims to establish an innovative Master’s program in the field of Communication and Media that both addresses local needs in East Africa and meets international standards. In addition to developing the degree program, the project involves the joint creation of teaching materials, the training of teaching staff, hybrid teaching, and the establishment of sustainable networks between the participating universities. The highlight of the project so far has been the successful accreditation of the MCM degree program in April 2025. The project is a prime example of collaborative development work and the active transfer of knowledge and methods across borders. Due to its success and accreditation, the project, which was originally scheduled to run from January 2021 to December 2025, was extended by another two years in January 2026.
A long-standing partnership as a foundation
The partnership between HKA and PU has been in place for over ten years and was initiated by Prof. Sissi Closs. Since then, the two universities have successfully collaborated on several projects, two of them under the “Baden-Württemberg Scholarship for Students – BWS plus” program, funded by the Baden-Württemberg Foundation: the ADDI project and the VIEL project (until September 2025). They focused on student exchanges, the fostering of intercultural skills and digital learning formats – experiences that have been directly incorporated into the development of the new Master’s program.
Pioneering work in technical communication in Africa
The new MCM degree program is based on the tried-and-tested model of the Master’s program in Communication and Media Management (KMM) at HKA, which has been further developed in collaboration with colleagues from PU. Work on the program’s curriculum began as early as 2019. In 2023, the program was successfully launched with its first cohort, making it the first of its kind in East Africa. In spring 2025, the program was officially accredited by the Commission of University Education (CUE) in Kenya.
International and interdisciplinary – with a strong focus on Germany
The Master’s in Communication and Media is aimed at graduates from a wide range of disciplines, from the natural sciences and engineering to the humanities. Unlike many degree programs in Kenya, which have traditionally been centered around theory, this program focuses on practice-oriented learning: students work on real-world projects, develop user-centered information solutions and thereby gain practical professional experience. The curriculum teaches skills in information architecture, visualization, media management and communication. Particular emphasis is placed on the demands of the digital age and the use of artificial intelligence in technical communication. A particular connection to Germany is evident not only in the close partnership with HKA, but also in the adoption of teaching structures, teaching materials and quality standards from the German higher education model. Students thereby benefit from a practice-oriented, internationally recognized program that perfectly prepares them for the global job market.
An international teaching team and global perspectives
The program combines online teaching with in-person sessions in Kilifi; a hybrid format that offers flexibility whilst also facilitating direct interaction. To make this possible, a suitable infrastructure has been established at PU, including digital teaching and learning environments as well as state-of-the-art media technology. This not only enhances the quality of the program but also acts as a long-term driver of innovation for the entire university. Students are taught not only by HKA lecturers but also by international experts from Ireland, Switzerland, Canada, and Denmark. This diversity of perspectives and teaching methods gives the program a distinctly international atmosphere and prepares students for the demands of a globalized working environment. At the same time, academic staff at PU receive targeted training and professional development to ensure the sustainable transfer of knowledge and to strengthen the quality of teaching in the long term.
Milestones in development
The MCM project has already seen dynamic growth:
- 2018–2021 BWS plus ADDI project (Adaptive Digital Learning Systems) by HKA and PU
- October 2021 Launch of the tri-national BWS plus VIEL project (Virtual International Exchange and Learning) by HKA, PU and the University of Limerick, Ireland
- 2019: Development of the curriculum began
- January 2021: Launch of the MCM project, funded by the DAAD and BMFTR
- 2022: A first pilot program launched with 12 selected students
- September 2023: The first cohort of the full degree program started with 8 admitted students
- September 2024 saw the second cohort of 7 students
- Spring 2025 saw the program accredited by the Commission of University Education (CUE) in Kenya
- Since 2025, AI has been integrated into the curriculum and teaching
- September 2025 saw the start of the third cohort with 8 students
- January 2026 saw the project extended by a further 2 years
- The fourth intake will begin in September 2026
- The first graduates from the first cohort are expected in November 2026
Impact beyond the campus
The MCM project establishes sustainable frameworks for the exchange of knowledge, methods, and cultures. Graduates are will act as bridge builders between Africa and Europe and will forward the professionalization of technical communication in Kenya and beyond.