Contest broadens technological horizons in Kenya

Charity vowed to return home after her study tour in China to contribute to Kenya's socio-economic transformation.

The African Technology Challenge has strengthened Sino-African friendship through skills and technology transfer.

Zhao Leilei, AVIC project manager, said the prestigious competition has unleashed enormous benefits for Kenyan youth. "Some of the students who enroll in the competition do not know how to operate a machine. After rigorous training, the students are able operate any machine," Zhao said.

He added that the event has inspired many Kenyan youth to pursue the engineering discipline that is key to driving industrial progress in the East African nation.

Winners of this year's contest will be entitled to cash rewards and scholarships to pursue further studies in China. Zhao revealed that some of the winners will also be employed by Chinese companies including AVIC International.

Female participants at this year's event felt honored to participate in a contest that is male dominated.

Ajuma Perry, an engineering student at a leading public university in Kenya, said her participation in the contest was a watershed moment.

"As a female engineering student, the Africa Tech Challenge refined my skills in a coveted discipline that is dreaded by many girls. We have gained new skills during the contest," Perry said.

The Africa Technology Challenge has resonated with Kenyan youth determined to become self-reliant.