Making the transfer to a new university as an international student can be a challenge. Luckily, UC offers one of the most comprehensive international exchange programs in the world, helping students like 2013 UC graduate Wilson Kimani Kang'ethe become a Kenyan customs and border management agent.

As an agent with the Kenya Revenue Authority, within the Customs Services Department, Kimani is instrumental in trade facilitation duties that support revenue collection for the Government of Kenya. He is actively involved in interpreting and implementing World Trade Organization Laws in order to lead customs investigations, border crossing control procedures, and revenue collection. Most recently, Kimani was part of a Kenyan customs team that seized illegal elephant ivory worth over US$500,000.

Kimani's UC degree, a Master of International Customs Law and Administration, is greatly recognised in his line of work. "At UC, my world view on Customs Administration was expanded as I gained extensive and highly relevant knowledge that has proved beneficial in my role as a customs specialist in Kenya," Kimani says.

Around the world, UC is known for its welcoming community of international students, unique global-ready degrees, and a huge professional network for helping new graduates find employment. "As an international student studying online from Kenya, I hold fond memories of my unique interaction with a global population of students, staff and lecturers through rigorous online discussions some of which grew to personal friendships," Kimani says. "I not only miss the intellectual rigor at UC but also the friendliness of the UC's community of scholars."

In addition to his UC degree, Kimani also holds a Bachelor of Education (Arts) from the University of Nairobi. He is fluent in English, Swahili (Kiswahili) and Gikuyu. Kimani is also a member of the US Customs and International Trade Bar Association, helping fight counterfeit products and protecting against illegal and unsafe imports and exports.

It is with great distinction UC welcomes Kimani into our community of alumni. We are glad to have helped Kimani in playing his part in keeping not just Kenya, but the rest of the world safe.

Kimani was appointed as the UC Alumni Representative for the East Africa region in 2014.