Chinese scholarships have brought hope and transformation to many Kenyan students who once faced financial barriers to education. Sarah Onyango's story reflects this change.
After working as a security guard in Busia to save for university fees, she secured a Chinese Ambassador Scholarship and is now completing her Economics degree at the University of Nairobi.
Erastus Apwacho's journey mirrors this transformation. Before receiving the scholarship, he worked odd jobs in Mukuru slums, his dream of becoming a doctor nearly abandoned.
Now in his fifth year of medical school, he looks forward to addressing Kenya's healthcare challenges.
These and other students represent the impact of the Chinese Ambassador Scholarship programme, which began in 2013 and has since supported hundreds.
The scholarships come in two forms. One supports students at Kenyan universities, while the other, known as the 2+2 programme, allows students to study two years in Kenya and two in China.
Leah Muthoni, 20, is among the first group of 23 students selected for the 2+2 programme.
Initially enrolled in mathematics and geography at the University of Nairobi, she discovered a passion for Mandarin and seized the opportunity to study in China.
She will begin her studies there this September, calling it a life-changing opportunity.
Recently, Chinese Ambassador Guo Haiyan awarded scholarships to 30 more students during a ceremony at the University of Nairobi.
Thousands have benefited from this initiative over the years, with recipients coming from institutions such as Kenyatta University, Moi University and Egerton University.
The Kenyan government has acknowledged China's role in advancing education.
Higher Education secretary Carol Hunja said the ministry is committed to promoting Chinese language learning and strengthening ties between the two nations.
“The ministry will support cultivation of Chinese language in Kenya and more friendship between the two nations,” she said.
“We will raise the overall level of awareness about the Chinese culture in Kenya,” Hunja said, adding, “The students will be ambassadors of this endeavour.”
This aligns with a cooperation agreement signed during
last year's Focac summit, which aims to integrate Chinese language into Kenya's
education system by deploying teachers across schools.
During the 'Chinese Bridge' competition and scholarship awards ceremony, Amb Haiyan highlighted the programme's broader significance.
“This is a celebration of our two people’s shared
aspirations and the increasingly strong bond and cooperation.”
Haiyan said the two countries were “laying the foundation for the next generation of leaders, who will further the bilateral relationship between China and Kenya”.
She described it as more than financial support, calling it a bridge of understanding between cultures and an investment in future leaders. “Language is the key to unlocking hearts and histories.”
University of Nairobi Vice Chancellor Margaret Hutchinson reported a 92 per cent completion rate among scholarship recipients, with many graduates now employed in various fields.
Since 2005, more than 10,000 Kenyans have learned Chinese through Confucius Institute programmes.
“Language learning remains an important pillar of our cooperation,” the VC said.
The partnership between Kenya and China continues to grow, with education and youth exchanges at its core.
Plans are underway to expand the scholarship programme to technical institutions, ensuring even more students can access these opportunities.
“Let us build a brighter future where knowledge knows no borders, and friendship knows no end,” Amb Haiyan said.
She said China is keen to implement deals President William Ruto and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping reached when they elevated ties between the two nations.
The ministry pledged to continue supporting these initiatives, while ensuring transparent selection processes for beneficiaries.
