In May 2025, 49 students from Bukura Agricultural College in Kenya began their internship with AKI in Germany. After a long journey by bus, plane, and further transfer, the young interns were warmly welcomed by our team. An introductory seminar in the Swabian Alb prepared them for their placements before they started their practical training on 49 different farms across southern Germany.

The six months flew by, and on October 29th, a festive farewell ceremony and certificate presentation took place at the Bernhäuser Forst conference center. After the welcome and opening remarks by AKI’s Deputy Chairman, Mr. Sigfried Schwab, and AKI General Manager, Ms. Tatiana Dettmer, several interns, farm managers, and AKI Program Manager Ms. Verena Jauß shared their experiences.

The program was enriched by several contributions from the interns, including a Kenyan song and a short play that humorously highlighted some cultural differences in Germany. During the official part of the ceremony, Mr. Schwab and Dr. Grimminger from the Ministry of Food, Rural Areas and Consumer Protection presented certificates for successfully completed internships. The five most outstanding interns of the year received special prizes and awards.

After recognizing several long-standing and particularly committed host farms, the ceremony concluded with a group photo and a shared lunch. Having bid farewell to their host families—many after forming not only professional skills but also deep personal friendships—the interns, accompanied by Tatiana Dettmer and Verena Jauß, began their journey home to Nairobi via Frankfurt.

AKI wishes all interns continued success in their professional futures and sincerely thanks all host families and the Ministry of Rural Affairs (MLR) for their support of the program.