STORY: 48 Kenyan students heading to China for further studies via scholarships
DATELINE: Aug. 11, 2023
LENGTH: 00:03:27
LOCATION: Nairobi
CATEGORY: EDUCATION
 
SHOTLIST:
1. various of the reception
2. various of beneficiary students
3. various of the reception
4. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): DR. DAVID WATENE, Deputy Director of higher education in charge of scholarships, Ministry of Education in Kenya
5. various of beneficiary students
6. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): HENRY ROTICH Chairman of Kenya-China Alumni Association
7. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): JACOB OLOO, Student representative
8. SOUNDBITE 4 (English): PETER KARANJA, Beneficiary
 
STORYLINE:
 
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.
 
Dr. David Watene, the Deputy Director of higher education in charge of scholarships at the Ministry of Education in Kenya, lauded the Chinese Embassy in Kenya for scaling up its scholarship program, in what will go a long way in integration and strengthening ties with Kenya.
 
SOUNDBITE 1 (English): DR. DAVID WATENE, Deputy Director of higher education in charge of scholarships, Ministry of Education in Kenya
"In regard to knowledge generation and dissemination, I extend sincere gratitude to the government of the People's Republic of China for the continued support towards the government of Kenya in investing in education, research, innovation and development, which are key to the economy of the country. In addition, we recognize the contribution of Chinese scholarships of which over a thousand Kenyans have benefited. These scholarships over the years have produced qualified personnel in the field of medicine, engineering, teachers, and diplomats amongst others, which are critical to the development of Kenya."
 
Henry Rotich, chairman of the Kenya-China Alumni Association, said 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.
 
SOUNDBITE 2 (English): HENRY ROTICH, Chairman of Kenya-China Alumni Association
"The benefits of learning Chinese, experiencing China's educational system, and contributing to our shared vision of a stronger, more prosperous Kenya are immeasurable. We, the Kenya-China Alumni Association, stand with you as you embark on this transformational journey. Embrace it with open hearts and minds and we are confident you will return as empowered leaders ready to impact our nation positively."
 
The students who are set to pursue their studies in universities across China vowed to make full use of the opportunity and serve as ambassadors for friendship between the two countries to enhance bilateral cooperation featuring sincerity, real results, amity and good faith.
 
SOUNDBITE 3 (English): JACOB OLOO, Student representative
"I am filled with excitement. Your journey is more than an individual pursuit. It is an endeavor that fortifies the strong ties between Kenya and China. As you embark on this remarkable odyssey, let the flagship projects, the successes of our distinguished officials and the camaraderie of the Kenya-China Alumni Association serve as the guiding lights, reminding you that you are not just scholars but ambassadors of progress."
 
SOUNDBITE 4 (English): PETER KARANJA, Beneficiary
"My expectation is that I'm going to study and experience the culture again, understand better the Chinese language and culture better, and when I come back, I want to really become of importance to my country Kenya."
 
Since 1982, the Chinese government has provided scholarships for thousands of Kenyan students.
 
Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Nairobi.
(XHTV)