Nairobi, Kenya Feb 17, A vibrant Chinese cultural show organised by the University of Nairobi’s Confucius Institute ahead of the Spring Festival attracted hundreds of participants, including students, teachers and government officials.
The celebrations kicked off with a lively traditional lion dance, setting the tone for a colourful showcase that blended cultural heritage with modern performances. Musical acts followed, featuring both classical Chinese pieces and contemporary pop songs performed by students and faculty.
Beyond the stage, the university campus transformed into a bustling cultural fair, offering attendees a hands-on experience of Chinese traditions. Visitors sampled a variety of Chinese cuisine and took part in interactive activities such as sugar painting, decorating plaster figurines and designing themed hats to mark the Year of the Horse.
Gideon Jadeya, a University of Nairobi student who participated in the opening lion dance, said he had spent six months training in the art, which he described as both challenging and rewarding.
“The lion dance symbolises good luck and prosperity for the New Year,” he said. “I enjoy performing it because it’s exciting and allows me to connect with a different culture.”
University of Nairobi Deputy Vice-Chancellor Leonidah Kerubo commended the Confucius Institute for its role in strengthening cultural and academic ties between Kenya and China.
“To date, the institute has facilitated scholarships and exchange programmes for 239 students and educators to study in China,” she said, adding that academic engagement had deepened further with the introduction of a joint Chinese language degree programme last year.
The annual event continues to serve as a platform for cultural exchange, fostering greater understanding and collaboration between Kenyan and Chinese communities.
