Kenyatta University is expanding the horizons of learning, research and cultural exchange with the launch of a new China Education Publishing and Media Group (CEPMG) bookshelf and the donation of approximately 300 academic books to its Confucius Institute.
More than a collection of books, the initiative is creating a new gateway for students and scholars to engage with Chinese language, culture, humanities, social sciences and technological innovation, while strengthening the University’s growing international academic connections.
The bookshelf project brings together Kenyatta University, CEPMG and the Confucius Institute in a partnership designed to support teaching, research, knowledge exchange and academic publishing. The resources have been selected to respond to the University’s learning needs, giving students and researchers greater access to high-quality materials on China and its diverse academic and cultural landscape.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. John Okumu, and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Outreach), Prof. Caroline Thoruwa, Prof. Lucy Maina, Department of Sociology, highlighted the initiative’s potential to move the partnership beyond a single donation towards sustained collaboration in education, research and publishing.
The global significance of the initiative was underscored by Mr. Wang Weiquan, Editor-in-Chief of Higher Education Press, who described educational publishing as a means of sharing knowledge, connecting people and strengthening understanding across cultures. The Kenyatta University bookshelf is the 20th CEPMG bookshelf established internationally, positioning the University within a wider network of global educational exchange.
Mr. Song Yidong, Deputy General Manager of China Education Publishing and Media Group, reaffirmed CEPMG’s commitment to supporting Chinese-language education and cultural exchange at Kenyatta University through academic resources and expertise.
The initiative was further strengthened by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between CEPMG and the Confucius Institute, establishing a framework for continued cooperation.
The launch brought together University leaders, Embassy representatives, publishing experts, faculty and students, including Prof. Leonard Chacha, Director of the Confucius Institute, Kenyatta University, Prof. David Minja, Executive Dean, School of Law and Social Sciences, Prof. Perez Onono, Ag. Registrar (Academic), Mr. Samuel Muthami, representing Dr. George Gitau Njoroge, Chief University Librarian and Prof. Zhou Xiaodong, Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute.
For Kenyatta University students, the impact is tangible: more learning resources, broader access to knowledge and greater opportunities to engage with another language, culture and academic tradition.
For Kenya and China, the bookshelf represents something bigger: a practical platform for shared learning, academic collaboration and people-to-people connections.
As the books take their place on the shelves, they carry with them a much bigger possibility: opening minds, connecting classrooms and bringing two educational communities closer together.