Chinese cultural show brings New Year festivities to University of Nairobi

A traditional Chinese cultural show organized by the University of Nairobi's Confucious Institute ahead of the Spring Festival drew hundreds of participants, including Kenyan students, teachers, and officials.

The festival celebration opened with a traditional lion dance and musical performances, followed by modern Chinese pop songs performed by students and faculty of the University of Nairobi.

Beyond the stage, the campus turned into a cultural fairground. Attendees tasted a variety of Chinese cuisine and experienced handcrafts — such as painting plaster ponies, designing pony hats, and sugar painting — to celebrate the Year of the Horse.

Gideon Jadeya, a student in the University of Nairobi who performed in the opening lion dance, said he has been studying the art for six months, allowing him to further develop his skills and passion.

"The lion dance brings good luck for the New Year," he said. "I do it from the heart because it's exciting and fun."

University of Nairobi's Deputy Vice-Chancellor Leonidah Kerubo praised the role of the Confucious Institute in promoting language teaching and academic exchanges, which has created more opportunities for the students.

"To date, the institute has facilitated scholarships and exchange programs for 239 students and educators to study in China," she said, adding that last year saw intensified academic exchanges with the launch of new joint Chinese language degree program.

Qiu Letao contributed to this story.