The spacious and brightly colored alley leading to the Confucius Institute at the University of Nairobi was a beehive of activity on Monday evening as students raced against time to attend lectures.

Established in 2005, the Confucius institute at Kenya's oldest university is a prized destination for students keen on improving their understanding of various aspects of Chinese culture, language and cuisine.

The students come from all shades of life but their passion for Chinese studies is their common denominator.

"I took up Chinese language as part of my Bachelor of Arts Degree Program and intend to go the distance having understood the benefits of competence in a language that is rich in symbolism and intonations," a second year mandarin student at the university of Nairobi, Cathy Mabwa told Xinhua.

Asked what motivated her to major in mandarin, Mabwa told Xinhua that as a rising China cement relationship with Africa, the youth should seize opportunities that this cooperation has created.

"The conventional Chinese culture is rich and it has helped us learn the language with ease. Being multi-lingual is an imperative more so to youths who want to be part of a global village," said Mabwa

She noted that previously, Kenyan university students were not well versed with Chinese culture and language.

"Thanks to Confucius Institute here, some of us not only speak fluent mandarin but have also have gained understanding of Chinese arts, culture and philosophy," Mabwa said during an interview with Xinhua.

Her dream is to obtain a distinction in the Bachelors Degree program to boost the chances of securing a scholarship t for post graduate studies in any Chinese University.

"My friends have visited China through scholarships that cover 6 months or one year. When they come back to Kenya, they narrate to us memorable experiences in Chinese cities and provinces," said Mabwa

She confessed a love for Chinese food especially spiced chicken alongside music and dance. Mabwa desires to work in a multinational company or diplomatic missions where competence in foreign languages is an added advantage.

An estimated 100 students have this year enrolled for Chinese Studies at the University of Nairobi and the number is likely to soar thanks to incentives like scholarships and exchange programs funded by the Chinese government.

Susan Wachira, a pioneer student at the University of Nairobi Confucius Institute has already completed a master's program in linguistics at Tianjin Normal University through a three year scholarship provided by the Chinese government.

"My three year stay in China was exciting and memorable. The scholarship opened new frontiers by improving my grasp of Chinese language, culture and cuisine," Wachira told Xinhua on Monday.

She disclosed that her three year stint at Tianjin Normal University increased her level of awareness on various dialects in Chinese language.

Currently a mandarin lecturer at Kenyatta University, Wachira hailed the blossoming cooperation between China and Kenya in diverse fields like education, technology, trade and commerce.

"There is greater understanding of the outside world in China now as the country opens up. Having lived there for three years, I can attest the Chinese society is hospitable to foreigners," said Wachira

She disclosed that many people in China identify Kenya with long races and scenic attractions like wildlife.

Wachira is currently writing a handbook in English and Mandarin to explain various aspects of Kenyan and Chinese cultures.

Kenyatta University where Wachira teaches offers a certificate in mandarin for free and there are 300 students who are currently enrolled in this program.

According to Wachira, Chinese studies have resonated with university students who are keen on expanding their knowledge of the Asian giant.

"In the near future, all Kenyan public universities will have fully staffed and equipped Confucius institutes as demand for Chinese studies skyrocket. This is good for our country as we solidify bilateral cooperation with China," Wachira said.

Cultural and educational exchanges have cemented relationship between China and Kenya.

Cui Junjie, a lecturer at the University of Nairobi's Confucius Institute noted that education, arts and culture fosters better understanding and harmonious co-existence among citizens from different nationalities.

Junjie has lived in Kenya for one year and admitted that the east African nation has unique characteristics that marvel foreign nationals. The Confucius Institute has faculty members from China and Kenya.

Junjie told Xinhua that Kenyan students take a shorter period to learn Chinese language thanks to passion and determination.

"The students are quite clever and have a higher grasp of Chinese culture and language. Students who are keen to learn Chinese language want to major in tourism and international relations," said Junjie.