48 Kenyan students heading to China for further studies via scholarships

Lucy Kiruthu, director of Europe and Commonwealth Affairs at the Kenyan Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, speaks during a farewell reception-cum-award-ceremony for Kenyan students who are beneficiaries of the Chinese Government Scholarships 2023, in Nairobi, Kenya, Aug. 10, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)

NAIROBI, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Embassy in Kenya on Thursday hosted a farewell reception-cum-award-ceremony for 48 local students who are beneficiaries of the Chinese Government Scholarships 2023.

A total of 48 Kenyan students are scheduled to leave for China early next week to pursue various studies at some of the leading universities. The students drawn from local tertiary institutions will pursue disciplines like public management, engineering, international relations and Chinese language at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Speaking at the ceremony in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, Zhang Zhizhong, minister counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Kenya, said that China and Kenya share a long history of friendship since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries. The Chinese government welcomes more Kenyan students to pursue further studies in China and promote people-to-people and cultural exchanges.

Henry Rotich, chairman of the Kenya-China Alumni Association, said during the ceremony that studying in China offers an unparalleled educational experience, denoting that China's rapid growth and technological advancements have positioned it as a global leader in innovation and research.

"By immersing yourselves in this dynamic environment, you gain access to cutting-edge knowledge and the chance to collaborate with world-renowned scholars and experts," said Rotich, hoping all students to study hard and embrace a better future.

Jacob Oloo, a doctoral candidate admitted to Huazhong University of Science and Technology, said that China plays an important role in today's world and it is a great opportunity for him to study and explore the country.

"I am very grateful to the Chinese government for providing us with scholarships to study in China. I will study hard and come back to build the country and contribute to Kenya-China cooperation," he said.

Oloo noted that the next four years of study and life in China will completely change his fate. "May our studies in China be transformative, and our experiences serve as a springboard for realizing the boundless potential that lies within us. Carry with us the spirit of collaboration, the thirst for knowledge, and commitment to leave a lasting impact," he said.

Since 1982, the Chinese government has provided scholarships for thousands of Kenyan students.

Lucy Kiruthu, director of Europe and Commonwealth Affairs at the Kenyan Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, told students during the ceremony that she went to Beijing University 27 years ago and the experience has been fruitful and cultivated her international political literacy and vision.

She hoped that all students would cherish the opportunity to study in China and make contributions in their respective professional fields.

Kenyan students who are beneficiaries of the Chinese Government Scholarships 2023 pose for a group photo in Nairobi, Kenya, Aug. 10, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)