24th June 2022, a chilly Nairobi morning saw a convergence of 15 participants drawn from 4 Confucius Institutes in Kenya, engage in a fierce Chinese Proficiency battle. The Kenyan chapter of this annual global competition gives an opportunity to excelling Chinese language students to showcase their mastery of the language in 3 ways: Speech, Quick fire Q&A session and talent competition. The theme of the competition was 'One world, one family'
Organized at the University of Nairobi's Taifa Hall, the 2022 event attracted the attendance of Chinese language lovers, media houses, high school students, Chinese corporates in Nairobi and representatives from the Chinese Embassy in Kenya.
This is the first time a physical, in person competition has been organized since the disruption of Covid-19 virus in the year 2020. Hansnick Omondi Otieno from the Confucius Institute at the University of Nairobi won first prize scooping a prestigious 6 month fully paid scholarship to China and shall proceed to the continental competition as Kenya’s official representative. Kenyatta University’s Willis Gitau won third prize and was awarded a smart watch, a book and trophy. Kenyatta University's Willis Gitau captured the crowd's heart by his flawless speech and martial arts display. Willis has been studying Chinese at KUCI for a year now left everyone breathless by his Jackie Chan-like martial arts moves. Prof. Pei Guanggang KUCI Chinese Director was full of praise for our participants. He said the three students diligently reported to the institute for rehearsals despite being out of campus
Most participant's speeches were about great developmental milestones that Kenya has achieved since it started cooperative engagements with China. They praised the fast, cost effective and nil red tape way that China engages with Kenya.
Chief Guest, Prof. Stephen Kiama Vice Chancellor University of Nairobi in his keynote speech said that Chinese language has gained traction among young Kenyans and would offer more career opportunities to those that choose to learn it. Another guest Zhao Xiyuan, Minister Counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Kenya, said that the Chinese language proficiency contest provided a platform for fostering China-Kenya cultural ties and friendship, adding that language and culture remain key building blocks of bilateral cooperation.
The event was sponsored and organized by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation, affiliated with the Ministry of Education of China, the Chinese Embassy in Kenya.
Staff and students from KUCI take a photo before the start of the event
15 participants take a photo with invited guests and judges
KUCI’s Willis Gitau delivers his speech, winning 3rd prize in the competition.
KUCI participates in traditional Chinese dance