Kenya hails education cooperation with China as booster of bilateral ties

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NAIROBI, Aug. 28 -- Kenya on Wednesday acknowledged the role played by China in bridging the deficit of the country's student admissions to local public university.

Professor Colleta Suda, the principal secretary in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, said China has continued to absorb Kenyan students to its universities, thereby contributing to bridging the gap of university admissibility among those who qualify for university education.

"Out of the 120,000 students who meet the minimum university entry requirements in Kenya, only about 35 percent are absorbed into local public universities. Where does the remaining 65 percent go?" the official asked.

"We appreciate the partnership with China for bridging this gap by awarding government scholarships to Kenyan students to further their educational dreams," she said during a farewell ceremony for 81 Kenyan students, who have been awarded Chinese government scholarships to study in the country's local universities.

Suda said currently there are over 300 students studying in various universities in China, adding that those who have completed their studies have returned home to contribute to Kenya's economic and social development.

"I want you to walk hand-in-hand with your Chinese friends. I have been to China in the past and the Chinese people are very friendly towards their African friends. However, be prepared for a culture shock especially concerning the Chinese work ethic," Suda advised the students.

"The Chinese are a hard-working people who work day and night. After your experience in China, you will be a different person. I stayed in China for three weeks and returned a different person."

She told the students to adjust fast, put the cultural shock behind them and carry themselves with dignity.

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