Sun Liqiang (right), the CRBC General Manager, signs the scholarship agreement during the farewell ceremony for the students leaving for China on a scholarship programme, held in Nairobi Kenya, on February 2, 2017. [Photo by Edith Mutethya/chinadaily.com.cn]

Kenya Railways Managing Director Atanas Maina said he was confident that once the students graduate, they will carry on the vision of the initiators of the SGR project to ensure that it meets the expectation of spurring the economic growth of the country

James Macharia, the cabinet secretary, ministry of transport, infrastructure, housing and urban development, said through the scholarship, Kenya will be able build a stock of human capital required for the development of the country.

After the commencement of the construction of the Nairobi-Mombasa SGR project, Macharia says they realised there was lack of professional and skilled manpower for the railway development, operation and maintenance.

"I want to assure you that upon completion of your studies there will be jobs waiting for you given that the government intends to develop 3,100 kilometres of SGR in order to achieve vision 2030," he said.

Nakayo Ekwee, one of the first batch scholarship beneficiaries, said the past nine months that she has lived in China have been a great learning experience. She has been introduced to Chinese culture, can speak some Chinese words and is able to relate well with the Chinese.

Noting that China is beautiful, mesmerizing and diverse country, where one can be carried away hence lose the focus, she advised the students to stay focused on their education.

"This is a very special time in your life. It's a time to learn and enrich yourself. Cultivate self discipline as you will be far from the watchful eyes of your parents and guardians. It will be a memorable moment when we return home united to contribute positively to our country," she said.