Kenya and China have officially inaugurated the first-ever China-Kenya Culture and Tourism Season, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at strengthening cultural connections and enhancing tourism between the two nations.
The event, held on June 8th, follows a bilateral agreement reached in April between President William Ruto and Chinese President Xi Jinping to strengthen diplomatic relations under the framework of a “China-Kenya Community of Shared Future for the New Era.”
Speaking at the vibrant opening ceremony in Nairobi, Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan highlighted the deep-rooted cultural and people-to-people connections between the two nations, tracing back over 600 years to the visit of Chinese Admiral Zheng He to the East African coast, including Kenya.
She recounted how a giraffe, gifted by the King of Malindi to the Chinese emperor, was perceived as a qilin, a mythical creature symbolising good fortune in Chinese culture, and later became a legendary emblem of auspiciousness.
“The friendly and cultural exchanges between China and Kenya stretch back centuries,” Ambassador Guo said during the event, commemorating 40 years of acrobatic exchanges. “Over 600 years ago, the Chinese Ming Dynasty Admiral Zheng He’s fleet visited places like Mombasa and Malindi along the East African coast, sowing seeds of China-Kenya friendship.”
She noted that the spirit of goodwill laid the groundwork for the strong people-to-people exchanges that have thrived since Kenya attained independence in 1963 and established diplomatic relations with China just three days later.
The Chinese envoy highlighted educational cooperation, revealing that over 2,000 Kenyan students have received scholarships from the Chinese government, while thousands more have benefited from various training programs.
In 2024, Ambassador Guo shared that more than 90,000 Chinese tourists visited Kenya, and that number is expected to grow significantly during the ongoing cultural season.
The China-Kenya Culture and Tourism Season, running through the end of the year, will showcase a diverse lineup of events, including live broadcasts of the animal migration by Chinese media, a Chinese Film Festival, and a TV drama exhibition.
She emphasised that these events aim to foster deeper mutual understanding and promote cultural appreciation between the two nations.
“I do not doubt that these events will further invigorate the culture and tourism cooperation between our two countries, enhance mutual understanding and friendship between our two peoples, and inject important impetus into building an even closer China-Kenya Community with a shared future for the new era,” the ambassador said
She praised Kenya as “one of the important birthplaces of the human race,” rich in tribal cultures, stunning landscapes, and abundant wildlife.
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In turn, she described China as one of the four great ancient civilisations of the world and a continuous civilisation that has endured from antiquity to the present day.
Ambassador Guo underscored the vast untapped potential for deeper cultural and tourism collaboration.
“This season provides a unique window to learn more about our cultural cooperation. There is a great desire from both countries to learn more about each other and to gain from one another. That is the most vibrant force for our friendship and cooperation.”
One of the most remarkable stories of cultural exchange celebrated during the event is that of Mathias Kavita, a pioneer of Sino-Kenya acrobatic exchange.
Ambassador Guo recounted how, in 1983, as a teenager, Kavita was among a group of young Kenyans sent to China to study acrobatics. After two years of intense training, the group returned to Kenya and began blending African cultural elements with the precision of Chinese acrobatics.
Over four decades later, Mathias has become Kenya’s most successful acrobatic coach, having trained thousands of performers nationwide.
Last year, he returned to China to reconnect with his roots, though most of his instructors had passed on.
“Only one was still alive, but too old to recognise him. However, the techniques and spirit of acrobatics had endured,” Ambassador Guo said.
Ambassador Guo expressed confidence that with the joint efforts of both nations, the season will be a great success and a catalyst for even deeper cooperation in the years to come.
Tourism Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa, who also spoke during the launch, described the occasion as a significant milestone in Kenya-China relations.
Tonight, we mark 40 years of China-Kenya acrobatic exchanges. This enduring partnership stands as a vibrant and dynamic bridge of cultural understanding between our two nations,” Ololtuaa said.
He emphasised the role of tourism and culture as powerful tools for fostering mutual respect and understanding.
“This season is very special to us. By the end of last year, Kenya received nearly 92,000 visitors from China for leisure, business, and adventure. With this kind of collaboration, we expect those numbers to rise even further,” he added.
The PS highlighted that the relationship is not one-sided, noting that many Kenyans also increasingly travel to China to explore its rich culture and offerings.
“This is a two-way exchange. As the Chinese come to Kenya, we also go to China. That is the true meaning of culture and tourism,” he said.
He noted that tourism remains a critical pillar of Kenya’s economy, contributing over 10% to the national GDP and supporting millions of jobs, particularly among youth and women.
PS Ololtuaa said the government is working to diversify Kenya’s tourism products beyond wildlife and landscapes to include cultural tourism, heritage, creative festivals, and performing arts.
“Events like this directly support our vision of positioning Kenya as a vibrant cultural destination–welcoming visitors from around the world to engage deeply with our people, history, and traditions,” he said.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Answers:
What is the China-Kenya Culture and Tourism Season?
The China-Kenya Culture and Tourism Season is a new initiative officially launched by Kenya and China to deepen cultural ties and boost tourism between the two nations. It features various events, including live broadcasts of animal migration, a Chinese Film Festival, and a TV drama showcase.
What is the significance of this initiative?
This initiative elevates diplomatic relations between China and Kenya to a “China-Kenya Community of Shared Future for the New Era.” It aims to enhance mutual understanding, promote cultural appreciation, and strengthen friendship and cooperation.
How long has cultural exchange existed between China and Kenya?
Cultural and people-to-people ties between China and Kenya date back over 600 years, when Chinese Admiral Zheng He visited the East African coast, including Kenya, during the Ming Dynasty.
What role does tourism play in the Kenya-China relationship?
Tourism is a crucial aspect of the relationship. In 2024, over 90,000 Chinese tourists visited Kenya, which is expected to grow significantly due to the cultural season. The initiative also encourages Kenyans to visit China, fostering a two-way exchange.
Are there other areas of cooperation highlighted?
Education cooperation is significant, with over 2,000 Kenyan students receiving scholarships from the Chinese government. The event also celebrated 40 years of acrobatic exchanges between the two countries.
Who is Mathias Kavita, and what is his connection to this initiative?
A6: Mathias Kavita is a pioneer of Sino-Kenya acrobatic exchange. In 1983, he was part of a group of young Kenyans sent to China to study acrobatics. He has since become Kenya’s most successful acrobatic coach, symbolising the enduring cultural exchange.
How long will the China-Kenya Culture and Tourism Season run?
The China-Kenya Culture and Tourism Season will run through the end of the year.
