Confucius Institute helps Kenyan officials sharpen Chinese language skills

Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and immigration officials on Friday completed a three-month Chinese language course to sharpen their skills as part of efforts to promote interactions with Chinese visitors.

Guo Hong, director of Confucius Institute at University of Nairobi said that 20 Kenyan officers, who frequently interact with Chinese visitors, were selected to undertake the three-month course.

"The officers will help to promote closer Sino-Kenya ties by being able to communicate effectively with Chinese visitors in Kenya," Guo said during the graduation ceremony.

The 10 immigration and 10 customs officers constitute the second batch of civil servants who have been trained on Chinese Language at the Confucius Institute.

Guo said that the language course which is supported by the Chinese Embassy in Kenya is one of the efforts aimed at making more and more people know Chinese language and culture.

The Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government Deputy Director of Immigration Services Eunice Lamba-Chacha said that the study of Chinese language will help Kenya to bridge the cultural gap and enhance the understanding of the Chinese people.

"The officers will now be able to address Chinese customers in the language that they understand best and are most comfortable communicating in," Lamba-Chacha said.

"The training therefore comes at an opportune time when the Chinese investments and presence in Kenya are increasing," she added.

Lamba-Chacha said that there shall be a remarkable improvement in the delivery of services by the graduates at their respective duty stations.

She noted that the process of globalization has brought with cross-border movements in response to investment opportunities, education, capital and hence the need for Kenyan government officers to learn foreign languages.

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