The Japanese language programme at Strathmore received a boost when the University was chosen by the Japanese Embassy to host the 1st Japanese Speech Contest on February 20th and 21st . Students from USIU, Utalii College and Strathmore University , the three main institutions offering Japanese Language training, took part, together with contestants from a number of smaller institutions.

In addition to speeches, students also made presentations in other categories: songs, drama, and poems. On the second day, the Japanese Ambassador attended as one of the judges and then went on to present the awards. Utalii came first in the Choir category, and the 1st Year Japanese class from Strathmore, who have been studying Japanese for only 2 months, came second. Erastus Njuki, a 2nd year student at Strathmore impressed the judges with his fluent speech, given that he has been studying Japanese for only 4 months, for which he was given a special prize.

Much of the success of Japanese Language studies at Strathmore is due to our Japanese teacher, Mrs. Masumi Odari, who in a short time has built up enthusiasm among the students for learning and speaking the language.