The Chinese government has this year offered scholarships to 67 Kenyan students for further studies in various disciplines like engineering, finance and environmental science.
Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Liu Xianfa said at a predeparture ceremony for scholarship beneficiaries on Tuesday that Sino-Kenya cooperation in education, culture and technology has improved.
“Education has always been a key area for our sound cooperation. The Chinese Government has been offering scholarships to Kenya annually since 1982,” said Liu.
He added that since 2011, the Chinese government has doubled the number of scholarships awarded to Kenyan students pursuing cream courses like engineering, medicine and information technology.
The 2015 beneficiaries will study in leading universities in China. Liu noted the Kenyan students will have an opportunity to study China’s rich culture, technological and economic renaissance.
“It is my sincere hope that you could learn Chinese language and culture, make Chinese friends and become good ambassadors of your country,” Liu told the students.
Currently, there are more than 200 Kenyan students pursuing further studies in Chinese universities.
Liu said that besides offering scholarships, the Chinese government has also provided 500 training opportunities to Kenyan professionals and government officials.
“I am very proud to see that China has become one of the most favored destinations for Kenyans pursuing higher education and professional skills abroad,” he remarked.
Kenyan students who qualified for the Chinese government scholarship were selected through a rigorous process.
Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Education Belio Kipsang urged scholarship beneficiaries to seek knowledge and skills that can transform the society during their stay in China.
“We expect you to gain new insight on critical issues like what make Chinese economy competitive. Likewise, you have an opportunity to foster friendship with Chinese people,” Kipsang told the students.
