News & Events
The Confucius Institute was invited to participate in the 55th anniversary celebration of the China-Kenya diplomatic Relations at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nairobi on Friday, December 14, 2018. The colourful ceremony commemorated the establishment of diplomatic relations at Ambassadorial level between China and Kenya that were formalized through a China-Kenya joint communique published on December 14, 1963. This milestone was preceded by a visit to Kenya by a top-level Chinese delegation led by Marshal Chen Yi, Vice-Premier and Foreign Minister of the Peoples’ Republic of China. Their mission was to attend Kenya’s Independence celebrations on December 12, 1963 and the communique issued two days later made China the fourth Country to establish formal diplomatic relations with newly Independent Kenya.
The event was attended by many dignitaries, including foreign mission representatives in Kenya. The Chief Guest was Mr. Raphael Tuju, Cabinet secretary and Secretary-General of the Jubilee Party accompanied by Mr. Adan Duale, Majority leader of the National Assembly. Other guests included Mr. Shakeel Shabbir, Chairperson of the Kenya-China Friendship Group of the Parliament, Richard Tong'i, Vice-chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Defense and Foreign Relations of Parliament, and Ms Sarah Serem, Kenya’s Ambassador-designate to China.
The Chargé d'affaires at the Chinese Embassy, Mr. Li Xuhang lauded the long period of partnership between the two Countries that has brought with it political, economic and social transformation for both countries as well as forging close links. He noted that, "China-Kenya relations are at a new historical point, with unprecedented opportunities and broad prospects. Facing the future, we will continue to uphold the principles of strategic mutual trust, win-win cooperation with shared benefits, and push forward the better alignment of the Belt and Road Initiative and Eight Major Action Plans of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Beijing Summit with Kenya's Big Four Agenda, to achieve faster and greater development of China-Kenya relations."
In his remarks, Mr. Tuju noted that China had contributed significantly to Africa's struggle for freedom against colonialism and that this cooperation has evolved over the years and is evident in transformative development projects, including infrastructure expansion, agriculture modernization, industrialization and skill transfer. To mark the event, four Kenyan public Universities, including Kenyatta University, received a combined scholarship award worth five-million Kenya shillings. Other Chinese government scholarships were awarded to outstanding students to study in Universities in China. Kenyatta University was represented by the CI Director, Dr. Kamau Wango.
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Tuesday 24th September 2019, Kenyatta University Confucius Institute hosted Mrs. Patricia Mutua head of English Department and Mrs. Doris Rutere of English Department Starehe Boys Centre. The two paid a visit to the institute with the intention of finding direction on what it takes to teach Chinese language in Starehe Boys Centre. The meeting was an initial introductory meeting that will see the setting up of a Confucius Classroom in Starehe Boys’ Centre next year January 2020.
Speaking during the meeting the Kenyatta University Confucius Institute Chinese Director Prof. Li Jing expressed her gratitude for having met representatives from Starehe Boys Centre. She said Kenyatta University Confucius Institute is keen on starting the Confucius Classroom as she had initially interacted with students from Starehe and found them to be extremely intelligent.
Kenyatta University Confucius Institute Director Dr. Hellen Guantai said the University will play its role in facilitating talks between Hanban and Starehe Boys’ Centre to effect the establishment of a Confucius Classroom in the Centre. She said she is keen as well to market programs offered by CI to the students of Starehe Boys Centre.
Mrs. Mutua head of English department in Starehe Boys Centre on behalf of the school management thanked Kenyatta University Confucius Institute for agreeing to aid the Center start Chinese classes. She said as a school Starehe was keen on incorporating Chinese Language studies as a foreign language. She said starting Chinese classes in Starehe Boys Centre was in line with the government’s plan to re-introduce more language classes in the education system.
Also in attendance was Kenyatta University Confucius Institute Administrator Ms. Ruth Sarah Achieng’
Dr. Hellen Kiende, Director Confucius Institute engaging Head of English Department Starehe Boys’ Centre Mrs. Patricia Mutua. Looking on is Confucius Institute Chinese Director Prof. Li Jing
From Left; Confucius Institute Administrator Ms. Ruth Achieng’, Mrs. Doris Rutere English Department Starehe Boys’ Centre, Dr. Hellen Kiende Local Director Confucius Institute, Prof. Li Jing Chinese Director Confucius Institute and Head of English Department Starehe Boys’ Centre Mrs. Patricia Mutua
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On 7th August 2019, CI hosted parents of Scholarship Awardees to a briefing with Chief Guest Kenyatta University, VC P.K Wainaina. The event kicked off mid-morning with various entertainment pieces by CI Lecturers and Teachers.
Confucius Institute Director Dr. Kamau Wango started off the speech session by introducing all students and parents. Dean School of Humanities and Social Sciences then talked about the Confucius Institute and the importance of learning a foreign language and especially Chinese in this era. He was then proceeded by Acting DVC Academic Prof Okemo who talked at length to the students about what it means to live and study out of Kenya. He gave his own personal experiences as a foreign student and challenged the young lads to seize the opportunity and make the most out of it.
The crowning speech was by Prof. P.K Wainaina, Vice Chancellor Kenyatta University who graced the function as the Chief Guest. He talked to the students at length about the importance of maintaining the KU brand in academia as well as in behavior. He gave his personal experience of living, working and studying in Canada. He encouraged the students to excel in class and source for extra opportunities to study further in China on available scholarships.
A total number of 26 students will be leaving Kenya for China towards end of August 2019. Some will study for 6 months, others 1 year, others 4 years and one will taking a Masters in Teaching Chinese as a Second Language. Their parents congratulated them and advised to work hard while in China.
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