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Chinese scholarships boost Kenyans' access to tertiary education

Xinhua, May 21, 2016 Adjust font size:

Chinese scholarships to Kenyan students have helped boost access to tertiary education in the country, Kenyan officials said on Friday.

University of Nairobi Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs Professor Henry Mutoro told Xinhua in Nairobi that many students especially from poor backgrounds have attained their educational goals due to Chinese funding.

"We commend the Chinese government for their scholarships and we hope other nations will emulate the Chinese example," Mutoro said during a prize presentation ceremony on Friday.

Mutoro noted that education is a key driver of national development. He observed that the Chinese are helping Kenya to improve the country's human resource skills, which will help the country to improve its competitiveness.

Every year, the Chinese government gives scholarships to University of Nairobi students. The scholarships are for studying in Kenya as well as in Chinese universities.

Mutoro said that the scholarships awards for this year have been advertised and many University of Nairobi students have expressed interest in applying for the scholarships.

"The financial assistance has enabled the university to enroll more students," he added.

In 2005, the University of Nairobi launched the first Confucius Institute in Africa. The institute offers training in Chinese language and classes. Mutoro said that the institute has played a big role in enhancing Sino-Kenya relations.

"The increasing presence of Chinese in Kenya has created demand for knowledge of the Chinese language," he noted.

Deputy Vice Chancellor said that education is now a key pillar of the Sino-Kenya relations. "It helps to promote a win-win relation for the citizens of both nations," he added. Endit