The Chinese government on Thursday (24.01.19) officially handed over a modern international culture and language center worth over Sh1.09 billion to the Kenyatta University.
The building hosting a Confucius Institute, an Africa Education Institute, an International Languages Centre and cultural center will be used towards the promotion of local, African and foreign languages, arts and culture. Its construction began in 2016 and was completed in February last year.
According to a report by Nairobi News, “Mr. Li Xuhang, the officer in charge of affairs at the Chinese Embassy spoke on behalf of the Chinese ambassador to Kenya during the handing over ceremony at the main campus on Thursday. Mr. Xuhang said that the four-winged building is a mark of increased collaborations between Kenya and China in the education sector. The building has been financed by the Chinese government through a grant competitively won by KU. ”
The auspicious event was attended by government officials from the National Treasury, Ministry of Education and Kenyatta University Chairman of the Council Prof. Shem Migot. Treasury CS Henry Rotich noted bilateral links with the People’s Republic of China have resulted in a number of benefits, especially in bridging infrastructural gaps.
Education Secretary Amina Mohamed reportedly said that the handing over ceremony was timely due to the ongoing efforts by her ministry to promote delivery of quality education and align the country’s education with the global trends.