Chinese education gains traction among Kenyans

In 2019, Wynn Rajula received a scholarship from the Chinese government to pursue her Master's degree in business administration in China. Despite clearing her education and traveling back to Kenya in 2022, Rajula was so impressed by the education system in China that she decided to go back to pursue her Doctor of Philosophy degree.

Rajula is among 19 Kenyan students who have received scholarships this year from the Chinese embassy in Kenya to pursue further studies in China. While addressing her fellow students at the embassy located in Kenya's capital Nairobi on Thursday during a farewell reception for the scholarship winners, Rajula said that Kenya and China have a lot in common and this makes it easy for Kenyan students to benefit from Chinese education.

As someone who has been to China before, Rajula assured students who are going to China for the first time that Kenya and China have more similarities than differences. She pointed out that she decided to go back to China for further studies since China's education system is advanced, the community is open and welcoming and the system offers a good work-study balance and students get wholesome development.

"Beyond formal education, students should ensure that they learn the Chinese language and culture which has several positive attitudes like the culture of saving money. You also get the chance to develop other talents like sports and other extracurricular activities due to the excellent facilities offered," Rajula said.

Zhang Zhizhong, minister counselor at the Chinese embassy in Kenya told the young learners that China is a big book to read and offers a rich 5,000-year long history of continuous civilization, an abundant cultural heritage and economic success. He asked them to observe and learn from China's past and present struggles and use the knowledge to improve their country back home.

"This connection between individuals and times does not go only one way. We hope that the scholarship awardees are not only witnesses and beneficiaries but will also be contributors and promoters for the progress of China-Kenya and China-Africa friendship," Zhang said.

Beatrice Muganda, Kenya's principal secretary in the ministry of education pointed out that China has sponsored well over 2,000 students for further studies in recent years and this has played a great role in improving Kenya's human capital.

Through the scholarship, she said that China has played an important part in fast-tracking support for local research, innovation and development while helping Kenya meet the rising need for higher education.

Muganda added that the students who have been awarded scholarships to study at various education levels that include undergraduate, Masters and PhD levels will be lucky to pursue courses that are relevant to the rapidly changing world at some of the best institutions of higher learning globally.