In line with its Vision Statement ‘to be a dynamic inclusive and globally competitive center of excellence in the provision of quality education, training and research for sustainable development’ Kenyatta University put in a request through the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China in Kenya, for the establishment of a Confucius Institute at Kenyatta University and the agreement was formally signed on 3rd December 2008. The Confucius Institute Headquarters, Hanban, China then appointed Shandong Normal University, China to implement the agreement. The Institute is mandated to teach Chinese Language and Culture, Chinese Fine Art, Chinese Sports and Games, Culinary Arts, Martial Arts, Business and Tourism Chinese, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Confucius Philosophy and Other programs that may be developed in the future.

The progress of the Chinese Language and Culture programs has been steady. The Institutes pioneer students graduated in July 2010. In addition, the University senate also agreed to offer a beginners’ course In Chinese Language and Culture at a subsidized rate to bonafide Kenyatta University students and a proficiency in Chinese Language course to Kenyatta University members of staff at a subsidized fee. In June 2016, the senate approved the Diploma in Chinese Language and Culture making it possible for students to study Chinese at a higher level than before. Plans are underway to start a Degree Program in Chinese Language and Literature in due course

Thus the Confucius Institute is currently offering four (4) programs as follows
• Beginners program in Chinese Language and Culture
• Proficiency in Chinese Language and Culture
• Certificate in Chinese Language and Culture
• Diploma in Chinese Language and Culture

At the moment, the institute is planning to include additional Chinese Programmes to include Bachelors, Masters and Doctorate degrees. The Bachelor’s Degree Curricula is currently being developed. In addition, the Institute proposes to establish a number of Confucius classrooms which should become centers of excellence and models for Chinese Language teaching in local primary and secondary schools. In collaboration with Kenyatta University, the institute will also explore the teaching of Traditional Chinese Medicine with the relevant school. The institute will also strive to be a center for local teacher training and Sino-Kenyan cultural exchange

We would like to pledge our commitment towards making the Confucius Institute at Kenyatta University self-sustaining. Confucius Institute is grateful for the on-going construction of Kenyatta University Language and Culture center which will house the institute and is scheduled to be completed in 2018. The University is also considering the recruitment of additional local staff to teach Chinese Language and Culture on a contract basis. Currently the institute has both Chinese professors from Shandong Normal University and local teachers who are on hand to assist the Institute deliver its core mandate of teaching Chinese Language and Culture.

Once again we thank Confucius Institute Headquarters, Hanban, Shandong Normal University, Kenyatta University Management Board, the Advisory Board and Confucius Institute Board at Kenyatta University for their support and assure all that the Confucius Institute at Kenyatta University is on the right track. We also take this opportunity to call upon both Kenyatta University’s members of staff and the rest of Kenyans to register for various Chinese programmes for facilitation of Academic and Cultural exchanges between Kenya and China.

DR HELLEN KIENDE GUANTAI
DIRECTOR
KENYATTA UNIVERSITY CONFUCIUS INSTITUTE

PROF. LI JING 
CHINESE DIRECTOR
KENYATTA UNIVERSITY CONFUCIUS INSTITUTE