The Kenyan leg of the 24th “Chinese Bridge” Chinese language proficiency competition for foreign university students was held at the University of Nairobi on Wednesday.
This year’s competition was organized with the theme “One World, One Family.”
19 Kenyan finalists, shortlisted from a pool of 200 candidates from universities and institutes across the country, showcased their Chinese language skills through quizzes, speeches, and a vibrant talent show featuring songs, music, dance, drawing, and martial arts –all reflecting Chinese cultural heritage.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, University of Nairobi Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Margaret Hutchinson, highlighted the broader significance of learning Chinese.
She further said that the university will recommend 50 students for regular scholarships and an additional 23 students for the “2+2” scholarship programme, which allows students to complete their first two years of undergraduate study in China and the remaining two years at a Kenyan university.
“Over the past 20 years, the Chinese government has provided scholarships to more than 1,000 Kenyan students to study in China,” she said.
Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan further praised participants of the Chinese Bridge competition, calling their language skills a “living bridge” between the two cultures.
“You are the future of China-Kenya relations,” she said. “Together, let’s build a future where knowledge knows no borders, and friendship knows no end.”
The Kenyan government has also reaffirmed its commitment to integrating the Chinese language into the national education curriculum.
Carol Hunja, Higher Education and Research Secretary, said a technical committee has been working hard to guarantee the initiative’s success.
The top honor of the competition went to Naomi Wanjiku, who will represent Kenya in the global finals in Beijing.
“I’m so excited. I’m so happy. I feel like the preparations I’ve made over the past month have been worth it,” Wanjiku said.
