Chinese culture gaining popularity among Kenyan youth

Chinese culture is gaining popularity among young people in Kenya, as evidenced by the number of students enrolling in Confucius Institutes and their participation in Chinese cultural events.

The students say Chinese culture is rich and interesting, noting its role in enhancing the relationship between the two countries.

Wang Shangxue, director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Nairobi, said the number of students learning the Chinese language in Kenya is growing. She said apart from the Confucius Institutes, universities, colleges and high schools are also teaching the language.

Wang said the Confucius Institute at the University of Nairobi enrolled more than 1,200 students last year, and job opportunities are the biggest motivation for students to pursue Chinese language learning.

“Currently there are many Chinese companies in Kenya, and they provide job opportunities to the students,” she said.

At the 22nd Chinese Bridge proficiency competition for foreign college students held at the university on May 12, contestants expressed their enthusiasm to learn about Chinese culture. The competition brought together 17 contestants from four universities and two colleges, who presented speeches in Chinese and participated in a talent show. Amos Michira, who emerged as the overall winner, said he had fallen in love with Chinese culture since he joined the university and is looking forward to working in China in the future or in some other capacity toward China-Kenya cooperation. The 21-year-old Chinese language major said he loves the oneness in Chinese culture.

When he first joined the Confucius Institute, he had the notion learning the language was not easy but realized all he needed was passion.

"My teachers are very motivating, not only in learning but also in growth perspective. They motivate us to be in a position to become independent and have a high living standard in the future."

Michira said he hopes to further his education in China, and if given an opportunity to choose another course, he would pursue computer science.

Deborah Mukiri, who was third runner-up at the competition, said she joined the Confucius Institute after being attracted by the Chinese performances there.

Prior to joining the institute, she thought Mandarin was very hard to master but she realized it was both easy and fun. “Chinese culture is very interesting, I think everyone should give it a try. Learning Chinese is the best decision I have ever made at university and I will continue pursuing it,” she said.

Mukiri is a third-year student at Egerton University, pursuing a bachelor's degree in economics and statistics. She is taking Chinese language courses on a part-time basis.

Zhao Xiyuan, the minister counselor at the Chinese embassy in Kenya, said the competition had become a gathering for the growing number of lovers of Chinese language and culture.

Zhao said this year’s competition is particularly special, because this year marks the 60th anniversary of China-Kenya diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative.

"Under the guidance of the leaders of the two countries, we have witnessed fruitful cooperation which has created more opportunities for Kenyan students to learn Chinese and study in China."