Chinese Ambassador Scholarships have transformed the lives of many Kenyan students by removing financial barriers to education. Among the beneficiaries is Sarah Onyango, who once worked as a security guard in Busia but now studies Economics at the University of Nairobi. Similarly, Erastus Apwacho, who did odd jobs in Mukuru slums, is now in his fifth year of medical school thanks to the same support.
Launched in 2013, the programme has benefited hundreds, including those studying locally and others under the “2+2” model—two years in Kenya, followed by two in China. Leah Muthoni, one of the 23 selected for this programme, will head to China in September after discovering a passion for Mandarin.
During a recent ceremony, Ambassador Guo Haiyan awarded scholarships to 30 more students and emphasized the programme’s role in strengthening Kenya-China ties. Education Secretary Carol Hunja echoed this, noting plans to integrate Chinese language learning into Kenya’s education system. With over 10,000 Kenyans already exposed to Chinese through the Confucius Institute, the partnership continues to grow, aiming to extend scholarship opportunities to technical institutions as well.
