Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Liu Xianfa (2nd R) presents certificate of scholarship to a student of the Nairobi University in Nairobi, Kenya, Nov. 14, 2016. The Chinese Embassy in Kenya on Monday provided 20 scholarships worth 20,000 U.S. dollars for needy university students to enable them to pursue a range of humanities and science courses. (Xinhua/Sun Ruibo)
NAIROBI, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Embassy in Kenya on Monday provided 20 scholarships worth 20,000 U.S. dollars for needy university students to enable them to pursue a range of humanities and science courses.
Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Liu Xianfa said the scholarships for underprivileged but bright students are at the heart of the blossoming China-Kenya cooperation in education and skills transfer.
"Science, education and humanities exchanges have become one of the pillars of China-Kenya bilateral relations," said Liu, adding that Kenya has become a training hub for Chinese language and culture
So far, 58 Kenyan university students from poor backgrounds have benefited from the Chinese Ambassador's scholarship launched in 2013.
The scholarship program was initiated by the Chinese embassy and the University of Nairobi to cover tuition fees for students from poor families pursuing courses like engineering, medicine, economics and finance.
Liu said beneficiaries of the scholarship program have been instrumental in driving Kenya's socio-economic transformation agenda.
He added that China-Kenya collaboration in science, technology and innovations has unleashed huge benefits in critical sectors like agriculture, health, energy and telecommunications.
The ambassador reaffirmed China's commitment to nurturing of youth talent in Kenya to speed up economic growth and social renewal.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Academic Affairs at University of Nairobi Henry Mutoro hailed the Chinese Ambassador scholarship program for transforming the lives of needy students through acquisition of lifelong skills.
"The 58 students who have benefited from the scholarship program have not disappointed and continue to excel in academic studies," said Mutoro.
He lauded the blossoming partnership between Kenyan and Chinese universities that has focused on joint training and research programs in languages, humanities and sciences.
Apart from hosting one of the largest Confucius institute in Sub-Saharan Africa, the University of Nairobi has forged linkages with Chinese academic institutions on modern skills training.
