Kiambu: Four staff members from the Kiambu County Assembly have been awarded scholarships to pursue postgraduate studies in China under the 2025 Chinese Government Scholarship Programme.
According to Kenya News Agency, these officers are among 37 beneficiaries from national and county governments selected through the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China (MOFCOM) initiative. The programme aims to develop public sector professionals and was facilitated locally through the Ministry of Public Service under the State Department of Public Service and Human Capital Development.
County Assembly Director of Human Resources James Githu confirmed that the selection process attracted applications from across Kenya, making the competition highly competitive. "The competition was stiff, but we thank God that four of our staff were successful. One will be studying for one year, while the others will undertake two-year programmes," he said.
The awardees include the Principal Communications and Public Affairs Officer, who will study for a Master's in Economic Development and Governance at Renmin University of China, and a Senior Fiscal Analyst set to pursue a Master's in Governance in Women Leadership at China Women's University. A Hansard Reporter will undertake a Master's in Public Administration at Sun Yat-sen University, while another Fiscal Analyst will enroll in an MBA programme at Beijing Normal University.
County Assembly Speaker Charles Thiong'o urged the recipients to maximise the opportunity and represent Kiambu positively during their studies abroad. "I urge you to equip yourselves with skills that will transform county governance upon your return. Be good ambassadors and champions of professionalism for Kiambu during your stay in China," he said during the farewell ceremony.
The event was attended by members of the County Assembly Public Service Board, including Vice Chairperson Eric Warugu, Joachim Njama, and Caroline Gathoni, as well as Deputy Director of Human Resource at the Ministry of Public Service Samuel Gichoki, Majority Chief Whip Nelson Munga, Deputy Majority Leader Francis Koina, and Assembly Clerk John Mwivithi Mutie.
Warugu echoed the Speaker's message, telling the scholars, "We believe in your potential and know you'll come back fully equipped to help improve our county. We wish you the very best during your studies in China."
The initiative reflects deepening educational cooperation between Kenya and China, a partnership reinforced by President William Ruto's recent visit to Beijing where new bilateral agreements were signed.