Kenya is poised to finalize a groundbreaking education agreement with China, creating a lee way to send teachers of English to the Asian country.
The deal, currently in advanced negotiations, aims to leverage Kenya’s reputation for strong English proficiency to secure teaching opportunities for its citizens abroad and also designate the country as a hub for English-language instruction in Asia.
President William Ruto, addressing Kenyans residing in China during a diplomatic visit, emphasized his administration’s commitment to strengthening diaspora engagement through specialized government departments. These units, he explained, will focus on enhancing educational, cultural, and trade collaborations to unlock job opportunities for Kenyans globally.
“We have already signed multiple bilateral labour agreements with China, and educational programs are central to these partnerships,” President Ruto stated. “I have directed the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs to expedite the implementation of these plans to ensure Kenyans benefit fully.”
The President’s remarks came in response to appeals from Kenyan university lecturers based in China, who highlighted systemic barriers preventing qualified Kenyan educators from accessing English-teaching roles in the region.
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Led by Professor Brian Karani, a historian teaching at Chinese universities, the group argued that Kenya’s linguistic edge over other African nations—such as South Africa—should translate into a competitive advantage.
“Kenyans speak some of the most fluent English in Africa, yet we’re overlooked for these opportunities due to bureaucratic hurdles,” Karani said. “China has a high demand for English teachers, and our professionals are ideally positioned to fill this gap if agreements are formalized.”
Karani further urged Kenya’s private education sector to explore partnerships in Asia, framing education as a “service industry” capable of addressing youth unemployment.
He praised Kenya’s National Youth Service (NYS) for instilling discipline in graduates, suggesting that such training could position Kenyan youth as sought-after candidates for international roles.
Kenyan officials in China, including High Commissioner Willy Bett and Education Attaché Albert Ombiro, lauded President Ruto’s efforts to strengthen bilateral ties.
They expressed optimism that increased high-level engagements would accelerate cultural, educational, and trade synergies between the two nations.
“This partnership isn’t just about language—it’s about empowering Kenyan talent on a global stage,” Bett remarked. “We look forward to more collaborations that uplift our citizens and showcase Kenya’s strengths.”
The proposed agreement marks a strategic step in Kenya’s push to expand its soft power and economic influence, positioning its workforce as a key player in meeting global demand for English education.
By Enock Okong’o
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