NAIROBI, March 12 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday launched doctoral scholarship program named after him which is fully sponsored by the Chinese government.

The Aspire to the Zenith: President Uhuru Kenyatta Doctoral Scholarship Program that will benefit at least 100 Kenyans is coordinated by the Directorate of the Confucius Institute at Egerton University.

"The Sino-Kenyan relationship stands as a towering example of how two nations, continents apart, can forge bonds of unity and cooperation," Kenyatta said during the launch of the program in Nairobi.

Kenyatta said in a statement issued after the launch that the scholarship symbolizes the cordial relationship between Kenya and China which has blossomed for centuries.

He presented the scholarship awards to the first 18 beneficiaries.

The Scholarship Program will offer 60 Kenyans direct admission into PhD Training in the fields of agriculture and engineering, with 40 of their peers entering at the Masters Degree level for Doctoral Studies.

"These initial 100 Kenyans will undoubtedly return home well-equipped to trigger advances in agriculture that will promote job creation and food security," Kenyatta said.

He commended the close link between Kenyan universities and Chinese institutes of higher learning which is focused on boosting the full spectrum of Kenya's education sector.

The president said the scholarship program fits seamlessly into the government's Big Four Agenda.

Amina Mohamed, Education Cabinet Secretary, said the scholarships will boost Kenya's efforts to become food secure since they are agriculture and technology related.

Liu Xianfa, Chinese Ambassador to Kenya, attended the function which was held at State House, Nairobi.