The University of Nairobi through finances from China is planning to construct a US$ 20m complex that will be able to accommodate classes for the Chinese language so as to enhance and promote their culture.
According to a statement from the institution of higher education, the VC of Nairobi University, Prof. Peter Mbithi signed an agreement for the construction of the state-of-the-art building.
“Prof Peter Mbithi signed a apprehension agreement on the construction of the state-of-the-art Confucius Institute Building at the University of Nairobi,” read a statement from the school.
The new complex is anticipated to host several things including lecture halls, offices and students’ dormitories and is slated for construction commencing March 2017 and will take up to 18 months for it to be complete.
This initiative will be financed and supported by China through its Confucius Institute which is an education agency that supports and encourages Chinese language and culture in overseas countries.
Mrs. Ai Yuiyang, from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce in charge of China Aid Projects construction and monitoring, pointed out that the Confucius Institute will be a unique complex in Africa and will truly be a demonstration of the true partnership between Kenya and the Chinese government. One of the best known design companies has been selected to work on the project and a further delegation of 10 experts will be arriving in Kenya soon.
The idea of the Chinese complex barely comes after the institution constructed a 22-storey complex that was meant to meet the increased demand for academic and administrative facilities at the main Nairobi campus and also the growing student population which currently stands at 60,000.
The 22 storey building has facilities like the VC’s and deputy VC’s suites, senate boardroom, council meeting room and offices for its Graduate School of Business and lecture halls that will accommodate up to 3,000 students.