A Study on the Relationship between Confucius Institutes and Kenya’s Agricultural Economy in the Belt and Road Perspective: A Case Study of Confucius Institute at Egerton University

Abstract

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has attracted attention from all sides since it was proposed. As one of the bridges connecting China and the countries along the Belt and Road, Confucius Institutes have also received attention for their declining popularity and role in recent years. To explore whether Confucius Institutes can seize the new development opportunities brought by the Belt and Road, to realize innovative development and achieve better economic cooperation between China and the countries along the route. This paper takes Kenya’s economic structure as an entry point and focuses on the relationship between Kenya’s economic and agricultural development and the development of Confucius Institutes. Using the case study method, it analyzes the agricultural cooperation mechanism of the Confucius Institute Egerton University in Kenya--”Chinese + Agriculture” schooling characteristics. The paper concludes that under this mechanism, the Confucius Institute does have the possibility of further development. Based on this, this paper puts forward the following suggestions. The future development of Confucius Institutes should not be purely as a platform for cultural export but should pay more attention to the development mechanism that combines with the actual economic needs of the local community to have a more long-term development.