Dr. Benard William Chitunga

CHINA HIGHER EDUCATION: A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE YOUTH - REFLECTIONS FROM THE 3 YEARS IN BEIJING Friends, Having lived and worked in China-Beijing for the last 3 years, one thing I was curious about is the country's investment in higher education. As of June 2026, China has over 3,196 universities and colleges, which are public, world-class and globally ranked. I have been privileged to visit and /or speak at a few Universities - Peking, Tsinghua, University of International Business and Economics (UIBE), China Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), and most recently University of Science and Technology, Beijing, (USTB). Most of these universities offer FULL scholarships for Undergraduate, Masters and PhD programs. I am sharing this because I believe our ambitious young people should jump on this opportunity. OFFICIAL LINKS 1. Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) Official Portals: campuschina.org and csc.edu.cn/laihua 2. University-specific portals: Go directly to your target university's "International Students Office" website. APPLICATION TIMELINE FOR 2027 INTAKE: For CSC Type B (You apply directly to the university): October to February. For 2027, most universities are open from Oct 16, 2026 to Feb 28, 2027. Start NOW. For CSC Type A (You apply through the Chinese Embassy in Kenya): December to April. Portal opens Dec 2026, deadlines Jan - April 2027. Results come out July-August, you report to China in September. These are real, accessible opportunities. And from my experience here, it is worth it. BC

Congratulations my brother on your academic tour of duty in Beijing. God bless.

Beautiful International Day at the International School of Beijing (ISB)! Lily, Kendra and our aunty showcased the best of Kenya. Proud moment! 🇰🇪. BC

At the invitation of Her Excellency XU Xiaoping, Chancellor / Secretary of the CPC Committee, University of Science and Technology Beijing (USTB), I attended the BRIDGE Forum 2026 (Belt and Road: Innovation, Dialogue, Growth and Exchange) held in Beijing, as Guest of Honor and Keynote Speaker.

My brief stints in Kenya are never complete without Chegulo — my village of birth. Chegulo has a way of reminding me of something profound — The timeless values told through the ages are non-negotiable for the journeys ahead. Patience, Kindness, resilience, respect, character, humility, hard work, authenticity, etc. We can imagine that we are certainly clever and beyond our foundational roots — and we may find our way. No, we can't! The timeless values our origins taught us are non-negotiable. They are a must. Always grateful to be home and recharge. BC

We had a blessed and quiet Sabbath worship at my church of birth - Chegulo SDA Church.Blessed Sabbath, Friends. BC

MY MESSAGE TO THE LEADERSHIP OF CHEBWAI ADVENTIST EDUCATION COMPLEX LET US NOT BE THE GENERATION THAT EXPLAINS WHY CHEBWAI DECLINED. LET US BE THE GENERATION THAT EXPLAINS HOW CHEBWAI ROSE AGAIN. Chebwai has faced difficulties. It has not always performed at the level associated with its proud history. But I have not come to ask whose fault that is. Everybody can blame resources, leadership or circumstances. Eventually, everyone can develop a very convincing explanation for why something is not working. But explanations do not change institutions. PEOPLE DO. So the question I want every person here to ask is not, “Who is responsible?” It is: “WHAT CAN I DO DIFFERENTLY TOMORROW MORNING?"

CHEBWAI COMPLEX - COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL, SENIOR SCHOOL AND TEACHER TRAINING COLLEGE In 1937, this Adventist education complex was established. My paternal grandfather was among the first students here. Growing up as an Adventist in Western Kenya, a lot was said about Chebwai. Unfortunately, over time, every stakeholder at Chebwai developed a very convincing explanation for why something was not working. Today, this afternoon, my question was different – as an Adventist and as a leader – what can I contribute to MAKE CHEBWAI RISE AGAIN. This wasn't a courtesy call, it wasn't a homecoming. Inspired by my late grandfather and my late father, who in their time stepped forward for Chebwai, I came to answer one question: When Chebwai rises again, will I be there to proudly say – I was there. I want to deeply thank the Seventh Day Adventist West Kenya Conference President, Pr. Mbayi, Chief Principal Mr. Stephen Lumati, and the entire leadership for receiving me and according me an opportunity to be part of the journey ahead. God bless Chebwai Complex.BC

HONOURED TO STOP AT SHAMBERERE COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL – MALAVA CONSTITUENCY It was humbling to engage the learners and remind them of the endless possibilities that exist when one dares to dream. As a product of the village myself, I reminded them that they too can be great, and even greater. My sincere gratitude to our teachers for their continued sacrifice and dedication. BC

HONORING THE RT. HON. RAILA AMOLO ODINGA I was privileged to be among the many young people for whom Rt. Hon. Odinga stretched his broad shoulders for mentorship. Unfortunately, when he passed on this day last year, I was away in China. This evening, I was honored to pay my respects at his resting place - Kang'o Ka Jaramogi - the Raila Odinga Mausoleum. We remain forever grateful to this giant of a leader, from whose life we continue to draw inspiration and keep learning. BC

RIRONI - MAU SUMMIT - MALABA CORRIDOR I had the opportunity to appreciate the massive infrastructure investment ongoing on the dualling of the A104, through innovative financing — Kenya's own capital in partnership with Multilateral Development Institutions. Infrastructure for tomorrow is what enables a country to take off and progress. BC

REMEMBERING BABA! On this day, 15th October last year, a great Pan-African, a Kenyan of consequential patriotism, whose shoulders were broad enough for all, and who remained a constant North Star for our country, was called to rest. Today, our country remembers our Baba. The country truly misses him. BC