The Confucius Institute at the University of Nairobi presented a job fair recently that saw Kenyan students interact closely with Chinese recruiters for the first time.

About 18 Chinese companies - among them China Road and Bridge Corp, AVIC International, Sinohydro Corp and others - responded positively and encouraged students from different disciplines to apply for suitable positions.

"This event complements the campus mandate of research and social development," says Vice-Chancellor Peter Mbithi. "I believe that by linking Chinese companies with the students, it is helping in shaping a brighter future and vision for them,"

He says that Chinese companies are also exposing themselves to the institution's working environment and hopes that close cooperation will be forged between the Chinese corporate and academic communities to give impetus to innovation.

Also in attendance was the economic and commercial counselor from the Chinese Embassy in Kenya, Guo Ce, who was pleased by the positive response from both the corporate community and the students.

"From data gathered here, I think the Chinese companies are floating more than 500 job opportunities. This is in line with their needs, but it is also an indication that they are investing in their expansion strategies," he says.

He says he believes that there will be an upswing of job opportunities as more Chinese companies set up operations in the country. This is good news for the East African country whose unemployment rate is estimated at over 40 percent.

Kevin Xu, general manager of Longtron (K) Electronics Technology concurs. He has worked for the company for five years. Besides education qualification, the firm is looking for highly motivated candidates, he says.

"In the questionnaire, we have asked them to state their dreams. A motivated employee is easy to work with. They need little supervision and have ideas of how to improve the companies," Xu says. "This question carries more points than the rest."

lucymorangi@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily Africa Weekly 12/02/2016 page22)