REMARKS BY THE VICE CHANCELLOR, PROF.S.G KIAMA DURING THE OFFICIAL HANDING OVER OF THE CONFUCIUS INSTITUTE ON 29TH MAY 2020 AT 10.00 AM.

REMARKS BY THE VICE CHANCELLOR, PROF.S.G KIAMA DURING THE OFFICIAL HANDING OVER OF THE CONFUCIUS INSTITUTE ON 29TH MAY 2020 AT 10.00AM

 

Your Exellency, Amb. Wu Peng, Ambassador of the Peoples Republic of China

The President of Tianjin Normal University, Prof. Zhong Yinghua

The Chancellor of the University of Nairobi, Dr.Vijoo Rattansi,

Chair Of Council of the University of Nairobi, Prof.Julia Ojiambo

The Deputy Chief of Confucius Institute Headquarters in Beijing, Mr. Ma Jianfei

DVC Academics

Principals 

Director of Confucius of Institute, Xiao Shan.

Ladies and Gentlemen.

 

I take this opportunity to welcome you all –those online and those attending in person- to this short but very historic ceremony.

 

Today we will witness the official handing over of the facility by the Government of the Peoples Republic of China, represented by H.E Amb. Wu Peng to the University through the Government of Kenya represented by our Cabinet Secretary Prof. George Magoha.

 

Allow me, ladies and Gentlemen, to begin my remarks by thanking the President of Tianjin Normal University, Prof. Zhong Yinghua who called me sometime last month when Kenya had just reported a few positive cases of Covid -19 to express his solidarity with the university of Nairobi and the people of Kenya.

 

Indeed Prof. Zhong was very kind to support the University with a donation of 1,000 masks for staff protection against covid-19. We are extremely grateful.

 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Confucius Centre in Nairobi was established to promote cultural diversity and harmony through teaching of Chinese language and culture in Kenya and the region. Since its establishment in 2015, we have witnessed tremendous growth of interest from Kenyans yearning to learn Chinese language. The Center has performed well in promoting Chinese language studies and encouraging interaction between citizens of the two countries. Many of our students from the University have continued to attain excellent scores in the examinations.

The Center covers a total Area of 6332.8 square mates which will go along way in relieving pressure for teaching space at the University. The added teaching facility covers an area of 2763.48 sqm. The Public facility is 3078.08 sqm and the Dormitory area- 491.25 sqm for accommodation of volunteer lecturers and guests.

 

The Centre is a reflection of the spirit of partnership and strong friendship that exist between our two governments. The Chinese government provided grant funding for the project to the tune of 1.4 billion while the university provided prime land measuring 3 acres with a market value of 900 Million Kenya shillings.

The building is environmental friendly building and well connected with internet .The lecture halls are equipped  with interactive capabilities that make them very conducive for learning.

 

Cabinet Secretary,

 

Allow to bring to the attention of our stakeholders that we have been notified by the City Planning department to relocate the main access to the Centre from Aboretum drive to Chiromo campus as a safety measure for students and staff.

 

We note that there is need for the Centre to have continuity with Chiromo Campus and the rest of the University through a bridge over river Nairobi. The construction of the bridge and other incidental works that were not foreseen during the project conception will require an estimated budget of 100 million Kenya Shillings. Your Excellency, our   request for additional support to complete these unforeseen works had been raised with your predicessors and we are still hopeful that  it will be considered.

 

 

Thank you

 

PROF. S.G KIAMA.PhD

VICE CHANCELLOR.