NAIROBI, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- More than 20 Chinese and Kenyan companies on Tuesday held a day-long fair to showcase employment opportunities for local youth who have completed post-secondary education.

The 2018 edition of jobs recruitment fair for Kenyan students was hosted by the Confucius Institute at the University of Nairobi in partnership with Kenya-China Economic and Trade Association (KCETA) and Kenya Chinese Chamber of Commerce.

Wang Shuwen, a representative of KCETA, said the jobs recruitment fair was in line with ongoing efforts by Chinese enterprises to promote economic empowerment and skills upgrade for local youth.

"The fair is an important step to promote employment of Kenyan graduate students," said Wang, adding that job creation will cement Kenya-China friendship while promoting economic growth and stability.

Chinese enterprises based in Kenya in late October held a career fair to showcase opportunities for local youth with outstanding skills in competitive disciplines like engineering, ICT and business development.

Wang said that Chinese enterprises are keen to recruit skilled Kenyan youth in line with a localization policy.

"As companies implement localization policies, the proportion of local employees continues to increase. The Kenya-China Economic and Trade Association is willing to provide quality jobs to qualified candidates," said Wang.

Isaac Mbeche, deputy vice-chancellor in charge of administration and finance at the University of Nairobi, said that employment and skills development fostered by Chinese firms have strengthened friendship between the two long-standing bilateral partners.

"The employment of local talent by Chinese companies will strengthen cooperation and cultural exchanges between our two countries under the Belt and Road Initiative," said Mbeche.