On Monday, August 26, 2024, Kaimosi Friends University welcomed distinguished visitors from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. The delegation, led by Prof. Hu Fang and Zhou Chenlei from the Institute of Linguistics, was received by the University's Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Administration, Finance, Planning, and Development, Prof. Maurice Amadalo.
During the visit, the delegation explored potential areas of collaboration with the University. Discussions included KAFU’s request for the establishment of a Confucius Institute, a center dedicated to the study of African languages, collaborative research initiatives, and the publication of research in Chinese journals. The proposal to create a center for African studies is particularly aligned with Kenya’s shift towards competency-based education, which emphasizes the importance of indigenous languages.
In addition, Kaimosi Friends University is keen to pursue joint research proposals, as well as staff and student exchange programs, to further strengthen academic ties between the two institutions.
Prof. Hu Fang expressed the Institute's openness to collaboration, noting the similarities in linguistic typology between Chinese and African languages as a strong foundation for future partnerships.
The delegation later met with members of the Linguistics section within the Department of Languages and Literature to explore potential areas for future collaboration in linguistics research.
The meeting was also attended by Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academics and Student Affairs, Prof. Julius Kipkemboi; Director of Research, Innovation, and Outreach, Prof. Benson Ojwang; Director of Graduate Studies, Dr. Remmy Shiundu; Senior Assistant Registrar and Vice Chancellor’s Personal Assistant, Dr. Wycliffe Amukowa; Quality Assurance Director, Dr. Nurwin Fozia; Linguistics Lecturer, Dr. Solomon Aunga; and Head of Department of Languages and Literature, Dr. Nixon Sangili.
The meeting highlights the ongoing partnership between China and Africa, particularly in Kenya, where the new system of Education, Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) has incorporated the teaching of the Chinese Language as part of the subjects offered in schools.