More and more African students are studying Chinese. Our reporter Susan Mwongeli visits the Confucius institute in the University of Nairobi.

The University of Nairobi is a beehive of activities, as students rush to the respective lecture halls for various lessons. Many here in search of knowledge to enhance themselves and also give them a competitive edge in the job market. It is here that you find the Confucius Institute.

Established in 2005, the institute was set up In order to not only meet the rapidly growing demand for training in Chinese language but also facilitate cultural interchange in various countries.

The institutes in Kenya had an initial enrolment of 40 students, the institute now boast over 700 students.

Kenya like many African countries has over the years experienced a strong cultural influence from western nations. The growing number of students enrolled at the Confucius institute may just be an indication of a changing trend. The institute now has up to three intakes every year.

Anthony is in his third year at the Confucius institute, he did not just stumble into it, it was a very calculated move.

Through his interactions at the school he has not only learnt the Chinese language but also accessed opportunities that he previously could only dream about.

The school not only offers the students an opportunity to learn the Chinese language but through it they learn the chinese culture. Recently the schools hosted the11th Chinese brigen competition which not only offered the student an opportunity to display their knowledge of the language but also show case their talent and learn more about the Chinese cultute.

Many here believe that other students in various parts of the continent and the world should get an opportunity to learn chinese.

Linguistic diversity in the world is a matter of great importance, and the confucious institute in Kenya is proving this, by providing student in kenya an opportunity to learn the Chinese language and the Chinese culture.

Now this will not only enhance bilaterial trade relations between the two countries but on a personal level it also makes this student competitive in the job market and make it easier for them to do business with china which provides a bigger market with its population of over 1.3 billion people.