Feature: Kenyan students' proficiency in mandarin boosts career prospects

Elvis Njau would never imagine that one day he would stand in a podium to address an eminent gathering in mandarin and receive a thunderous applause thanks to his proficiency in the dialect.

The 21-year-old undergraduate student of history and international relations at Kenya's Egerton University has confounded peers and tutors for his mastery of Chinese language, culture and ancient philosophy.

Njau was the overall winner of the 14th Chinese language proficiency competition for foreign students held in Nairobi on Monday.

The competition was organized by the Chinese Embassy in Kenya and the University of Nairobi`s Confucius Institute.

During an interview with Xinhua, Njau said his passion for Chinese language lingered since childhood while sound mentorship from tutors at the university boosted his proficiency in the dialect.

"Chinese language is not difficult and it requires passion and attention to details for somebody to master it," Njau told Xinhua.

His weeklong trip to China last year widened his understanding of an ancient civilization whose global impact is profound.

Like millions of Kenyan millennials, Njau's world views are largely shaped by globalization and digital revolution.

When he joined the university, Njau was inspired by lectures touching on the changing global dynamics thanks to the rise of China and other emerging economies.

"It was clear to me the world order had dramatically shifted in favor of new powers like China, hence the need to learn the country's official language and belief systems," said Njau.

He aspires to study mandarin up to doctorate level and pursue a career in either diplomacy or academia.

Students drawn from Confucius institutes in four Kenyan universities electrified the audience with music, dance, poetry and martial arts from the middle kingdom.

Chinese diplomats, Kenyan scholars and ordinary citizens agreed the eastern African nation's youth are better placed to advance Sino-Africa cultural cooperation.

"Interactive forums are crucial to promote understanding and appreciation of Kenyan and Chinese languages. The universities have provided a good platform to realize this goal," remarked the Deputy Vice Chancellor, University of Nairobi, Professor Isaac Mbeche.

Natika Mulama, a 22-year-old mandarin student at Egerton University has earned celebrity status thanks to her ability to perform Chinese folklore with ease.

She bagged the second prize during the contest that attracted seventy participants from Kenyan public universities.

Mulama created a buzz when she walked to the podium to belt out a sentimental lyric that was rich in vocals and message.

The audience was electrified when Mulama swayed rhythmically as she sang a moving Chinese love song.

The eloquent mandarin speaker told Xinhua she has defied great odds to master a dialect that was once considered alien in Kenya and the larger eastern African region.

"I am majoring in Chinese language in the University and has no regrets for pursuing a foreign language that is currently recognized in the international system," Mulama remarked, adding that determination and passion enabled her to master the Chinese language in a short span.

"There were cynical voices that warned me against studying the Chinese language, but I proved them wrong. I have studied Spanish and German, but mandarin is the most thrilling," Mulama told Xinhua.

She aspires to visit China and gain new insight on the country's rich cultural heritage. Endi