Smart Applications launches student mentorship
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.
Smart Applications International has launched the Smart Elevate Student Mentorship Program at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), a new initiative aimed at equipping university students with practical skills, mentorship and career opportunities to support Africa’s growing healthcare technology sector.
The program was unveiled during the Smart Career Fair, which brought together students from different schools within the university to interact with healthcare technology professionals, explore career pathways and register for the mentorship initiative.
Speaking during the launch, Smart Applications International Chief Executive Officer Isaiah Mosiori said Africa’s rapidly evolving healthcare technology industry requires graduates who possess both technical skills and a clear understanding of healthcare delivery.
He said the mentorship program will provide students with a structured pathway from career exploration to mentorship, internships, graduate training and eventually long-term careers within the healthcare technology industry.
“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. Through our initiative, students can move from career exploration to mentorship, internships, graduate training, and long-term contribution to the sector,” said Mosiori.
The company said the initiative seeks to bridge the gap between classroom learning and workplace expectations as healthcare systems across the continent increasingly embrace digital technologies.
It noted that industry-led graduate development programs have become essential in preparing students through practical training, professional mentorship and exposure to real-world challenges while helping build a skilled workforce capable of driving digital transformation in healthcare and insurance.
Smart Applications International Group Human Resources Director Jane Gikonyo said structured learning and professional development are key to nurturing the next generation of African healthcare technology professionals.
“The Smart Elevate Student Mentorship Program 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 mentorship program will allow participating students to receive career guidance from experienced professionals, gain internship opportunities and progress into graduate trainee positions as part of a long-term talent development pipeline.
JKUAT Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Prof. Robert Kinyua welcomed the partnership, saying stronger collaboration between universities and industry is essential in preparing students for today’s job market.
“Partnerships between universities and industry are vital in preparing students for the realities of the modern workplace. 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.
Smart Applications International said the initiative forms part of its broader efforts to strengthen Africa’s healthcare technology ecosystem by developing skilled professionals capable of supporting innovation, improving healthcare delivery and advancing digital health solutions across the continent.
