Chinese Scholarships Make Kenyan Students' Overseas Dreams Come True

Tyson Wachira Kinuthia had always wanted to better his prospects through education. 

He had sent in many applications to study abroad but to no avail. Eventually, his luck changed and he secured a chance to pursue his aspirations in China. After the National Olympic Committee of Kenya released a call for those interested in more schooling in sports-related fields, Kinuthia applied and his documents were presented to the Chinese embassy in Kenya.

"As luck would have it, the Chinese embassy gave me a chance to undertake an interview. After considering my credentials, they told me I had a strong chance of furthering my studies in China and put me on the list of prospective students who will travel to China this year to embark on advancing my career," Kinuthia said. 

On Sunday, China's ambassador to Kenya Zhou Pingjian hosted an event with over 50 students that will be travelling to China for further education. At the occasion, Zhou thanked the Kenya Education Ministry and the Kenya-China Alumni Association for their work in helping Kenyans further their studies in China. In his speech to the students, Zhou underscored the history and current state of China and how it is essential to create cooperation through multiple sectors, such as education.

Pingjian emphasised the significance of the Asian country putting people first, especially in regard to education, which has been highlighted during his visits to multiple Kenyan universities. Henry Rotich, head of the Kenya-China Alumni Association, remarked that the scholarship program has a profound effect on the bond between the two countries.

"With its primary focus being the creation of job opportunities and fostering bilateral relationships, the scholarships for Kenyan students to study in China have become a catalyst for growth, both economically and culturally," Rotich said.