Job fair deepens firms' Kenya push

"At least, I am lucky to have an experience with a Chinese company during my internship at China Wuyi. My desire is to become an accomplished auditor and hopefully render my service to any of the Chinese companies based in Kenya," Wambui said.

The inaugural career fair organized by Chinese companies based in Kenya was a draw to local youth whose zeal to work for them, earn decent income and refine their skills was palpable.

Walter Kirivwa, a 22-year-old education major from a Kenyan university, hailed the career fair, terming it an eyeopener to skilled youth yearning for a chance to work for Chinese companies that are behind economic transformation in the country.

"This event came at an opportune time and has exposed us to the enormous opportunities that Chinese firms have for trained youth. We must appreciate that Chinese companies are strong in infrastructure, real estate and technology that is changing our lives," Kirivwa said.

He dropped his contacts at several Chinese companies' booths in the hope that a positive feedback would be forthcoming.

An estimated 400 Chinese firms that are operating in Kenya have created many new jobs for local youths while providing a platform for this demographic to hone skills in various disciplines like engineering and finance.

Kate Ouma, a 23-year-old finance major, said Chinese firms, whose investments portfolio in Kenya is expanding, have become prized employers of choice among local youth.

"It is a fact that our country is benefiting from massive investments from Chinese companies and the youth are keen to work for them given that decent incomes and career mobility are guaranteed," Ouma said.

She engaged in a chat with attendants at China Wuyi booth and later dropped her mailing address for future correspondence.

Elvis Muli, a 24-year-old major in procurement and logistics, who traveled from the port city of Mombasa to visit the career fair in Nairobi, said that he aspired to work for any of the Chinese firms operating in Kenya to earn a living and gain from exposure.

"I am informed that Chinese companies are strong on logistics that happens to be my field of expertise. I travelled all the way from Mombasa to learn how these firms recruit their staff and network with a potential employer," said Muli.

Kenyan officials who attended the inaugural career fair, organized by the umbrella body representing Chinese companies in the country, said it marked a milestone in economic and trade cooperation between two long-standing partners.

"This career fair is one of a kind and a confirmation that our relationship with China is having a positive impact," said Christopher Chika, director of Asia and Australasia Directorate at Kenya's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He said Kenya is keen to tap into skills and technology provided by Chinese firms to boost diversification of its economy.

Xinhua