Hungarian higher education office in Kenya? Yes, we have one! And now we have a great recognition: the head of the office, Caroline Mwari Kithama, has been awarded the Hungarian Bronze Cross of Merit, Hungary's 5th highest State decoration. Since the opening of the Education Hungary regional office in Nairobi, Caroline Kithama has worked tirelessly to make Hungarian universities - including the University of Pécs - known to more people in the East African region. Ambitious, dedicated, and believing in what she does, oh, and she loves gulyás, it is no wonder that her work has now been officially recognised.
Congratulations on the merit! How did you feel when you found out you had been awarded the Hungarian Bronze Cross of Merit?
I was shocked. The office received a call from the embassy, and they told me I had been awarded. I cried. I just couldn't believe it. I still cannot believe it. It is a merit of incredible teamwork. I got the award, but that recognition is for the team. It's for all of us, because gradually, everything we've done has borne fruit. I don't even want to say the sky is the limit because
there's no sky for us.
That’s very ambitious. What does this recognition mean to you?
I am very passionate about what I do, and I have an amazing support system, from Peter Árvai (Deputy Director of the International Centre at the University of Pécs – who is also the consortium lead), the Universities' coordinators, administrator, marketing team and the embassy as well. The Hungarian Ambassador to Kenya, H.E Zsolt Mészáros has also played a crucial role in supporting the office from its inception.
I love my job. Getting the merit is a huge honor. I feel that it is not only a recognition of my and our team’s work, but also of the goal that I stand for: to make high-quality international education available to more young people in Africa.
This award is confirmation for me that we are on the right track.
How did your relationship with Hungary start?
I studied in Hungary, and my experiences there have extensively shaped my life.
I always say Hungary is a hidden gem.
It's a very safe country with a lively, vibrant student life. Even those who pay tuition fees can study at affordable prices. This is what Education Hungary's slogan is all about: world-class education at affordable fees.
And the Hungarians are very friendly and open. My best friend (Rebeka Luca) was Hungarian, and she was also my roommate. What is also very important: the cost of living is also very affordable. I remember, for example, that the stipend I received from the scholarship was enough for me - I could live on it without any problems. It was much cheaper than even living in Kenya. I could go on and on, but I had the most amazing experience as a student. And that is why I'm here vouching for it.
What is the focus of work in the Nairobi office today?
Since the opening of the office, our goal has been to introduce more students in the East African region to the opportunities of Hungarian higher education.
Today, we represent six Hungarian universities, including the University of Pécs.
The other Universities are the University of Debrecen, the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the International Business School, the University of Miskolc, and the University of Sopron. Over the years, I have seen a huge shift: whereas before, if I asked a school if they had heard of Hungary, hardly anyone would raise their hand, today, a good number of students apply because they know what the country has to offer.
In terms of the targets that we have, we're not yet there, but we are getting there.
If you look at the number of enquiries, it's around 3,500 per year or more - an average of around 290 enquiries per month.
Of course, it varies, there are periods when there are many more enquiries and there are quieter months.
Brand awareness and brand retention are also very important. Making sure people know that Hungary exists as a study destination and that it offers fantastic opportunities. We want to achieve a level of brand retention that when someone thinks about studying abroad, Hungary is the first destination they think of. We are working on this and will continue to do so.
What are your goals for 2025 and 2026?
Our main objective is to strengthen our regional presence. We have already been to Rwanda, recently to Tanzania, and we would like to go to Uganda, Ethiopia, for example, and in the long-term to West Africa - there is a big market there, for example in Nigeria, Cameroon and Ghana. We have no plans for sudden expansion, because that is not always sustainable. Instead, we are moving forward gradually and strategically.
We also want to further deepen our presence in Kenya. We have already covered the main cities, but we are now working on reaching out to other locations. In addition, continued and further cooperation with the Ministry of Education, secondary schools and universities is a priority.
What is your long-term vision?
My long-term goal - and I believe in this -
is to make Hungary the number one (preferred) destination for students.
I know it is ambitious, but I think it is achievable. Because Hungary is a great place to study: it's affordable, it's safe, and once you study here, you pass on your experience. So - mark my words - we will achieve it.
What message do you have for students who are now considering studying in Hungary?
It's the place to be. Hungary will indeed train them to be leaders.
We have a slogan: Creating leaders. I believe this experience will, without a doubt, turn them into global citizens and leaders.
The Hungarian Cross of Merit is awarded to Hungarian and foreign citizens alike, in recognition of outstanding and exemplary activities in the service of the nation, in promoting the development of the country, in advancing the interests of the homeland and in enriching universal human values. After my conversation with the head of the office, I have no doubt why she deserved this prestigious award. After all, what she has achieved in these few years is remarkable.
