Tyson Wachira Kinuthia had always wished to improve his trade by furthering his studies. The nutritionist and sports coach from Kenya made several applications to study abroad, but it had borne no fruit. After several tries, luck soon found its way and he finally had the opportunity to pursue his dreams in China.

When Kinuthia saw an advertisement by the National Olympic Committee of Kenya calling for people interested in pursuing further studies in sports-related subjects, he sent in his application and they presented his documents to the Chinese embassy in Kenya.

"As luck would have it, the Chinese embassy gave me a chance to undertake an interview. After considering my credentials, they told me I had a strong chance of furthering my studies in China and put me on the list of prospective students who will travel to China this year to embark on advancing my career," Kinuthia said.

He was speaking at the sidelines of an event hosted by Zhou Pingjian, China's ambassador to Kenya, to engage in dialogue with over 50 students who will be traveling to China to pursue further studies. The event was held in Kenya's coastal Mombasa city on Sunday.

Zhou thanked Kenya's Education Ministry and the Kenya-China Alumni Association for working with the embassy to make it possible for Kenyans to further their studies in China.

Perspective explained

In his address to the students, Zhou gave a brief historical and current perspective of China and explained why it is important to foster cooperation through various sectors including education.

He also said he had the privilege of visiting several Kenyan universities and stressed China's importance of putting people first in everything, including education.

"I know each and every one of you will be serving as a goodwill ambassador of Kenya while in China. Not every Chinese can have the opportunity to be in Kenya. They will have their impression of Kenya by interacting with you and I know you will do a good job in representing Kenya," Zhou said.

Henry Rotich, chairman of the Kenya-China Alumni Association, said the scholarship program has transformed into an important tool of education, leaving an indelible mark on the friendship between Kenya and China.

"With its primary focus being the creation of job opportunities and fostering bilateral relationships, the scholarships for Kenyan students to study in China have become a catalyst for growth, both economically and culturally," Rotich said.