Chinese Scholarships Send 65 Kenyan Students to Beijing for Advanced Studies
This week, 19 Kenyan students will depart to continue their studies at various universities in China, bringing the total number of Kenyans who have benefited from scholarships this year to 65.
Already, 46 beneficiaries are currently in China, as disclosed by Zhang Zhizhong, the Minister Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Kenya.
Higher Education Principal Secretary, Beatrice Inyangala, led a farewell ceremony for the 2024 cohort of scholarship beneficiaries.
She expressed the government’s gratitude towards China for its ongoing support in educating Kenyan students through scholarships.
Inyangala emphasized the importance of university education in enhancing productivity and driving socioeconomic development.
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She noted that the scholarships are a testament to the 60-year diplomatic relationship between Beijing and Nairobi, demonstrating China’s reliability as a friend and partner.
Levels of Scholarships and Bilateral Relations
This year’s scholarships have been awarded across various levels of study, including Bachelor’s degrees, Master’s, and PhDs.
Inyangala remarked that this opportunity reflects the strong alliance between the two nations.
She also highlighted that China’s support is crucial in helping the Kenyan government bridge educational gaps and expressed hope that the students’ contributions, nurtured through these scholarships, would benefit Kenya not only in education but also in other development areas.
Over 2,000 students have been sent to China under the government scholarship program. Counselor Zhang noted that the scholarship recipients are not only beneficiaries but also potential contributors and promoters of the China-Kenya and China-Africa friendship.
He expressed satisfaction in seeing former scholarship students returning to Kenya and excelling in their respective fields, playing significant roles in the country’s economic and social development while promoting mutual understanding between the Chinese and Kenyan people.
Since 2013, hundreds of students have gone to China to train as engineers and train drivers under the Belt and Road Initiative. Henry Rotich, Chairperson of the Kenya-China Alumni Association, encouraged the students to excel and make Kenya proud.
He mentioned that alumni are contributing globally to culture and economic development, including leading technology innovation and social activities.
Rotich urged the students to immerse themselves in their studies, embrace Chinese culture, and return to Kenya equipped with knowledge to drive change.
Upcoming Summit and Students’ Departure
The students are leaving Kenya at a time when China is hosting a major summit of African leaders, where education scholarships will be among the key issues discussed.
The farewell reception was part of the Chinese Government Scholarship Kenyan Students and Awards Ceremony of China-Africa Cooperation in My Eyes.
Wynn Rajula, who is heading to Chengdu for a PhD in Business Administration, shared her experience of the rigorous selection process for the scholarships.
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She recounted the journey from applying through the Ministry of Education, undergoing multiple interviews at Nyayo House and the Chinese embassy, and eventually securing a supervisor before proceeding to the visa center.
The scholarship sponsor expressed hope that the recipients would become contributors and promoters of the Kenya-China friendship.
Chinese Scholarships Send 65 Kenyan Students to Beijing for Advanced Studies
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