The Chinese Embassy in Nairobi hosted a farewell ceremony on Thursday for 52 Kenyan students who have been awarded the prestigious Chinese Government Scholarships to pursue further studies in China.
Speaking at the event, Charge d’Affaires and Deputy Head of Mission, Mr Zhang Zhizhong, congratulated the students, describing them as “brilliant young minds” ready to embark on a new chapter in educational cooperation between the two nations.
Mr Zhang reiterated that the scholarships are not coincidental but a reflection of the deep-rooted friendship and strategic partnership between China and Kenya. He noted that over the past four decades, more than 2,000 Kenyan students have benefitted from the programme, a number that continues to rise as bilateral ties expand.
“Such opportunities arise from the robust relationship between our two countries,” he remarked. “During His Excellency President William Ruto’s successful state visit to China in April, our two heads of state agreed to build a China-Kenya community with a shared future for the new era. This decision, coupled with the comprehensive cooperative strategic partnership between China and Kenya, has created brighter career prospects for Kenyan students studying in China.”
The President’s state visit resulted in Kenya and China signing several cooperation agreements in areas such as infrastructure, trade, technology, and education. According to Mr Zhang, these agreements not only strengthen diplomatic relations but also expand opportunities for knowledge-sharing and innovation between the two nations.
Addressing the students, the envoy urged them to take their studies seriously and to fully immerse themselves in the academic, cultural, and social experiences that await them in China. He reminded them that their success would not only benefit their own lives and families but also contribute to Kenya’s development and the future progress of China-Kenya relations.
“China is now home to world-class technologies and innovations that are shaping the future of the globe,” he said. “Study hard, respect the laws, explore the culture, and embrace the opportunities ahead. I have no doubt that after graduating, each of you will find a meaningful path that will serve your country and enrich our bilateral ties.”
The ceremony concluded with students and guests sharing a traditional Chinese delicacy, jiaozi (dumplings), a symbolic farewell meal in Chinese culture.
Each year, the Chinese government continues to award scholarships to Kenyan students, reaffirming its commitment to educational exchange and people-to-people cooperation.
“We wish you every success in your studies and hope you have a happy life in China,” Mr Zhang told the departing students.
Caroline Wanjiku Irungu, one of the beneficiaries of this year’s scholarships who will pursue a Master’s in Educational Economics and Management, expressed her delight, saying it has been her lifelong dream to pursue higher education in China. She will be joining Nanjing Agricultural University.
“I believe education is the backbone of any country. This is a great opportunity for me. I am grateful to the Chinese government for giving me this opportunity. I look forward to coming back home with skills I will have developed to help develop our country,” she said.
“I believe that China are world leaders and they are setting the pace in matters education, technology and for me it is a good chance to learn from the best of the best,” added Harrison Kuria, another recipient of the scholarship to China this year
Dr Davin Watene, Director of Education in the State Department of Higher Education, noted that the Kenyan government appreciates the fact that the Chinese government has always helped bridge the gap in education by providing a number of scholarships to its students. He expressed hope that more Kenyans will continue to go to China for further studies.
“We are grateful for the support we are receiving from the Chinese government. As a ministry, we have enjoyed a very good relationship in the higher education sector. As a result, the Kenyan students who have gone to China have returned with valuable skills that have helped align various sectors of our economy with global trends,” stated Dr Watene.
