Chinese govt's scholarship helps Kenyans and deepens ties

Rotich is also the Chairman of the Kenya-China Alumni Association, which was formed in 2002 with the aim of promoting culture and economic interactions between Chinese and Kenyans with a goal of win-win and based on mutual respect as partners.

While in China, he met his dream girl and got married later. Now he lives a happy life with his Chinese wife and two children.

According to the chairman, the membership of the alumni association stands at over 500 and is spread all over the world. Their business area covers tour guiding, interpreter, teaching Chinese and all kinds of private businesses.

Joseph Maritim, the treasurer of the alumni association, was one of the 10 lucky pioneers in 1982. He studied Chinese in Beijing Language Institute for one year and then went to Northern Jiaotong University majoring in industrial and civil engineering.

He returned to Kenya in 1987 and worked in a private company for 20 years then he set up his own company in the country’s fast growing and blooming real estate industry.

He said the freshmen should grasp the chance. "Make full use of the opportunity that the Chinese government provides. You will benefit from it all through your lives."