Doors now open for English teachers to showcase their prowess in China

Kenya and China is on the final stages to combat a lucrative deal that will enable teachers of English to teach in China a move that will realize a dream come true for the underpaid important people in the society.

This comes days after Brian Karani a history teacher at an international school in China appealed to President William Ruto to make arrangements for Kenyan teachers to go to China. His appeal highlighted a growing opportunity for Kenyans to tap into China’s expanding demand for English education.

Kenya and China have enjoyed diplomatic relations leading to a significant education and cultural exchanges. The inclusion of Mandarin as an optional foreign language to Kenya’s competency-based curriculum and institutions like Kenyatta university introducing bachelor of Arts in Chinese language and culture, shows the aim to foster mutual understanding and enhance language proficiency between the two countries.

China’s interest in English proficiency is also notable as records indicate that 176 language teachers have been registered since 2018 indicating an interest in language exchange programs.

Speaking at a past event, Karani said, “The biggest job here in China is teaching English. Kenyans speak perfect English. Kenyans can teach English in this country-not just one or two but in droves, hundreds of thousands. Last year we had 672 billion in remittances from Kenyans in the diaspora.”

He further emphasized, “Once Kenya is designated as an English-speaking country, in your bilateral talks with President Xi Jinping, it opens doors. That designation leads to the ability to get work permits in China and once we get those permits, many teachers and even non-teachers in Kenya can come and work here. You don’t even need to be a professional teacher to qualify. “

In response to the appeal and the broader opportunity, it presents, the Kenyan government is moving swiftly. “We have already signed multiple bilateral agreements with China and educational programs are central to these partnerships,” President Ruto stated in response to the directives “I have directed the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs to expedite the implementation of these plans to ensure Kenyans benefit fully.”

This position has been echoed by Kenyan officials based in China. High Commissioner Willy Bett and Education Attaché Albert Ombiro both applauded President Ruto’s efforts to strengthen bilateral ties being optimistic that this would lead to increased cultural, educational and trade synergies between the two nations.

“This partnership is not just about language-it is about empowering Kenyan talent on a global stage,” stated Bett, adding that they look forward to more collaborations that uplift citizens and showcase Kenya’s strength.

The new agreement is expected to be a transformative opportunity for thousands of qualified Kenyans to gain international employment. It is also anticipated to facilitate the transfer of skills, enhance global exposure for Kenyan educators and increase remittances that will contribute significantly to Kenya’s economy.

Plans are already in the pipeline and implementation on a top gear. Dreams of seeing thousand of Kenyan teachers thriving in Chinese classrooms may soon become a reality-ushering in a new era of opportunity, empowerment and international cooperation.