President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday launched a scholarship programme dubbed, the Aspire to the Zenith: President Uhuru Kenyatta Doctoral Scholarships Programme.
This will see the Chinese government sponsor 100 students set to acquire their Masters and Doctorate degrees in agriculture and engineering at the People's Republic of China (PRC).
President Kenyatta issued the first 18 scholarships during the launch ceremony he hosted at State House, Nairobi.
The President stated that the programme would solidify friendly ties between Kenya and the PRC.
[caption caption="President Kenyatta at State House with scholarship candidates on March 12"]
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"The Sino-Kenyan relationship stands as a towering example of how two nations, continents apart, can forge bonds of unity and co-operation.
"These initial 100 Kenyans will undoubtedly return home well equipped to trigger advances in agriculture that will promote job creation and food security," he stated.
60 slots will be awarded to PhD students while the remaining 40 will go to Masters candidates.
The programme was coordinated by the Directorate of the Confucius Institute at Egerton University, Njoro, Nakuru County.
Education Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed, China’s Ambassador to Kenya Liu Xianfa and Confucius Institute Director at Egerton, Mohamed Abdille also attended the event.
President Kenyatta's partnerships with China has sparked anxiety among United States officials and Jubilee Party elected leaders as well.
[caption caption="President Kenyatta with 18 recipients of the Aspire to Zenith scholarships along with government officials from Kenya and China"]
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