Kenyan scholarship winners get start in China

The Beijing association of Kenyans studying in China recently welcomed four dozen students of 69 newly enrolled compatriots who received Chinese government scholarships this year.

Beatrice Maisori, secretary of Kenyan Students in Beijing, says the association helps new arrivals adjust.

"You will find this association very important to you during your stay in China," she told the students, who arrived in China last month. "Our members will help you settle into your studies fast. I encourage all of you to register, even for those who are going to other provinces."

Maisori was speaking at a welcome dinner at the Communications University of China in Beijing. She is a doctoral student in international business at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing.

China has been offering government scholarships to Kenyans annually since 1982, according to Gu Xiaorun, second secretary in the information and public affairs section of China's embassy in Kenya. There are now more than 200 Kenyan students studying at Chinese universities every year as part of the bilateral scholarship program.

"China has become one of the most favored destinations for Kenyan students pursing higher education abroad," Gu says.

In 2011, China decided to double the number of Kenyans awarded scholarships, which cover nearly all majors in bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, Gu says. The 69 new students enrolled under the program this year represent an increase of 15 from last year.

Many more Kenyans are studying in China through private funding.

New scholarship students are studying Chinese language and culture at different institutions in Beijing during the remainder of the year. While some will enter Beijing universities in early 2015, others will study in other parts of the country, such as Hubei, Zhejiang and Yunnan provinces and Shanghai.

"Twelve of us will be leaving Beijing in January for Wuhan University of Science and Technology in Hubei province. We will be pursuing a master's of science in ecology," says one of the students, Jeffery Okundi.

Of the new students at the dinner, two are pursuing postgraduate studies in foreign policy, four are doing bachelor's degrees, and 42 are enrolled in master's and doctoral programs in engineering, sciences, technology and medicine. Postgraduate courses are offered in English while undergraduate courses are taught in Chinese.

The association, formed in 2006, holds regular meetings on the first Saturday of the month at different venues. The association also helps link students with potential employers and relies on member contributions such as dues of 30 yuan ($5) a month.

(China Daily Africa Weekly 10/17/2014 page28)