NAIROBI, Kenya Aug 10 – Kenyan students heading to China for studies next month have been urged to embrace knowledge and skills transfer for the benefit of both countries.
48 students awarded full Chinese Government scholarships will be heading to China next month to embark on higher education studies.
China awards scholarships to Kenyan needy students annually as part of an initiative to enhance integration and foster bilateral relations between the two countries dating back 60 years.
“This scholarship opportunities program will greatly help our Kenyan students advance in their university education through various courses in China,” said David Watene, a Deputy Director, Higher Education in charge of International University Education at the Ministry of Education.
The scholarships are offered by the Chinese Government through the Embassy in Nairobi in partnership with the Ministry of Education.
Students who qualify get opportunities to study for undergraduate or postgraduate programs.
“Many medical doctors and Kenyan engineers studied in China which is known to be very competitive and has very well-known universities across the world,” he said Thursday at a send-off ceremony for the students awarded scholarships this year.
Henry Rotich, the Chairman of the Kenya-China Alumni Association praised the Chinese scholarship beneficiaries, saying they made commendable decisions to go study in China.
“As you embark on this new transformational journey to China, just know that you made the best decision ever because China is very rich and advanced, especially in technology,” he said.
Minister Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy Zheng Zhizhong said the Embassy and Ministry of Education have made the necessary arrangements to receive and settle the students in various universities on arrival in China.
“The 2023 scholarship beneficiaries are traveling to China starting next week. As the Chinese Embassy, we have put in place all necessary measures and arrangements to ensure that they settle comfortably in China during their period of study,” he said.
Mary Mwikali Kilonzo, a student from Kitui County who received the 2023 Chinese scholarship award says this is a golden opportunity for her to further her studies and make her dreams come true.
“I can’t wait to fly to China to study for an international Master of Finance. I will be so glad to come back home and share the skills and experiences from China,” she said, adding, “I am excited and forever grateful to China.”
Kenya and China marks the 60th anniversary of bilateral relations this year with key milestones in trade, education, health among others.
China has heavily supported Kenya in infrastructural development with the construction of the Thika Superhighway, the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), and the Expressway among others that have transformed Kenya’s development.
