Chinese language gains appeal in Africa as first private university in Kenya establishes Confucius classroom

In a speech read on his behalf, Julius Jwan, the director at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development, revealed that Kenya is putting in place measures to introduce the Chinese language as an optional foreign language in public schools.

"Today the Chinese language is considered as an important language worldwide because of its increasing presence in the business world. We therefore appreciate the fact that more of our students will be able to learn the Chinese language because knowledge of the Chinese language is an added advantage to those who want to make a mark in today's global business arena," he said.

Kenya plans to teach the Chinese language in public schools in a bid to improve job competitiveness and facilitate better trade and connection with China. The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development has said the design and scope of the Mandarin syllabus have been completed and will be rolled out over the course of this year.

Paul Tiyambe Zeleza, USIU-Africa's Vice Chancellor said the introduction of Chinese language studies will create an avenue for students in Africa to access the wealth of experience and diversity that China’s culture has built over centuries.

"Learning a new language gives you intercultural literacy because language is a window into another society's history, values and culture,” he said. “We are glad our students will get the opportunity to learn the Chinese language because the Chinese people are one of the largest reservoirs of world thought and their world view will equip our students to be global citizens.”

In 2019, the Ugandan Ministry of Education introduced the Chinese language as a subject in secondary schools to enable some its students to acquire the language. Uganda is not alone in adding the Chinese language to the school curriculum. Other African countries, including Tanzania, South Africa and Cameroon, have already made similar efforts.