Students have class in a schoolhouse constructed under the assistance of Chinese government in Kenya. [Photo/Xinhua]

The Chinese government will finance construction of an international language and culture center at Kenyatta University that is located on the outskirts of the Kenyan capital, Nairobi.

Chinese Ambassador to Kenya, Liu Xianfa, and senior Kenyatta University administrators on Tuesday attended the ground-breaking ceremony to pave way for the construction of the center.

In his opening remarks, Liu said the center will open a new chapter in Sino-Kenyan bilateral cooperation.

"The centre is another example of our solid friendship, and it will promote interactions between the Chinese and Kenyan people," Liu remarked, adding that China will strengthen bilateral cooperation with Kenya in education, culture and arts.

Liu said the center, which will be completed in 18 months, will position Kenya as a hub for training in Chinese language and culture.

"This center will enable Kenyan youth learn Chinese language. It marks a milestone in Sino-Kenya cooperation," he added.

Olive Mugenda, Vice Chancellor of Kenyatta University, lauded China's support towards advancement of arts and cultural learning in Kenyan universities.

"Construction of a language and culture center that will house the Confucius institute will foster our friendship with China. It will also boost socio-economic progress in the country," Mugendi said.

She also revealed that China has financed the construction of a health and referral center at the university, which will be opened soon.