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China-Kenya relations continue to thrive, with stronger ties marked by decades of collaboration in education, infrastructure, and cultural exchanges. On Friday, during an event celebrating 40 years of Chinese government scholarships, Minister Counsellor Zhang Zhizhong from the Chinese Embassy in Nairobi underscored the crucial role alumni of Chinese educational programs play in fostering closer cooperation between the two nations.
Speaking at the event organized by the Kenya-China Alumni Association, Zhang highlighted the importance of those who have studied in China as ambassadors of the longstanding relationship between China and Africa. “Alumni have a unique and important role in carrying forward the spirit of China-Africa friendship and cooperation,” Zhang remarked. He emphasized that the people-to-people connections fostered through these scholarships and educational exchanges form the bedrock of China’s ties with Africa.
Zhang further noted that alumni can help deepen mutually beneficial collaborations between China and Kenya, while also enhancing solidarity and coordination. “History is made by people,” he stated, adding, “The prosperity of China-Africa cooperation is created and promoted by individuals, from both China and the continent.”
The Chinese envoy described the relationship between China and Africa as being at its strongest point in history. He pointed out that the partnership has evolved over the years, progressing from a “new type of partnership” to a “comprehensive strategic and cooperative partnership” and, more recently, to an “all-weather community with a shared future for the new era.”
Kenya and China established diplomatic relations over 60 years ago, with this year marking 61 years of collaboration. These ties have borne significant fruits, particularly in education, infrastructure development, and cultural exchanges, according to the Kenya-China Alumni Association.
The event highlighted the growing engagements between the two countries’ leadership as evidence of an enduring partnership. Minister Counsellor Zhang pointed to recent high-level meetings, including consecutive engagements between Kenyan President William Ruto and Chinese President Xi Jinping, as signs of this flourishing relationship. He also noted the historic visit of Li Xi, a senior official in China’s top decision-making body, to Kenya. This marked the highest-level Chinese delegation to visit Kenya in six years and was the first major visit by a Chinese leader to an African country since the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit in Beijing last September.
China has supported thousands of Kenyan students through scholarships over the past 40 years, enabling them to study in various fields, including modern railway technology. Many of these students have since returned to Kenya, contributing to both government and private enterprises. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi recently visited China, where he acknowledged the significant impact of these scholarships in equipping Kenyans with the skills needed for transformative projects like the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).
The Kenya-China Alumni Association’s chairperson, Henry Rotich, praised the role of alumni in bridging the two nations. “Our journey with Chinese institutions and support from the embassy has opened pathways for opportunities and benefits,” Rotich said. He emphasized the importance of language and cultural understanding in fostering deeper ties, adding, “We will continue to perpetuate Chinese culture and strengthen the connection between our two nations.”
Rotich urged Kenyans to leverage the opportunities provided by China’s significant financial commitments under FOCAC, which includes a resource allocation of approximately $40 billion (Sh6.4 trillion) for African countries. He noted that such resources could be instrumental in elevating Kenya-China cooperation to new heights.
The event also celebrated the success of flagship projects such as the Standard Gauge Railway, which is part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative. The SGR has been a game-changer for Kenya, improving transportation and boosting economic development. According to the alumni association, such projects exemplify the tangible benefits of China-Kenya collaboration.
In a show of continued partnership, the Kenya-China Alumni Association signed several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with Chinese companies and chambers of commerce during the event. These agreements aim to strengthen ties in education, business, and cultural exchange, ensuring that the relationship between the two countries continues to grow.
Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to a shared future. Zhang emphasized that the relationship between China and Kenya is not just about large-scale projects but also about the millions of individuals who contribute to its success. “Beyond the grand picture of the great times, it is actually the millions of individuals, both in China and Africa, who are creating substantial achievements of historical progress,” he said.
Rotich echoed this sentiment, urging the alumni to continue playing their part in building a future where both Kenyans and Chinese can thrive. He encouraged them to take pride in their role as cultural and professional ambassadors, contributing to a deeper understanding and cooperation between the two nations.
As Kenya and China celebrate over six decades of partnership, the future looks promising. The two nations have demonstrated a strong commitment to mutual growth, with education and cultural exchange at the heart of their relationship. The success of initiatives like the Chinese government scholarships and the Standard Gauge Railway highlights the transformative power of this partnership.
With continued collaboration and the active involvement of alumni and other stakeholders, the China-Kenya relationship is poised to reach even greater heights in the years to come.
