Kenya, China deepen ties at New Year celebrations

Kenya and China have renewed commitments to deepen cultural and people-to-people ties during Chinese New Year celebrations held in Nairobi, which also marked the official closure of the China–Kenya Culture and Tourism Season.

Speaking at the event, Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan said the Spring Festival remains the most important traditional celebration for the Chinese people, centred on family reunion and renewal.

She noted that the festival has gained global recognition, having been listed as a United Nations floating holiday and inscribed on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The reception brought together senior government officials, diplomats and members of the Chinese community.

Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Culture, the Arts and Heritage, Ummi Bashir, said the Season had highlighted the role of culture in strengthening bilateral relations, citing cooperation in heritage preservation, film, media exchange and skills development.

She added that cultural collaboration between the two countries supports Kenya’s Vision 2030 agenda through knowledge transfer and people-to-people engagement.

Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Gladys Boss Shollei described Kenya – China relations as a model of Africa –China cooperation, anchored on mutual trust and shared development goals.

Shollei pointed to President William Ruto’s State Visit to China in 2025, during which Kenya and China elevated ties to a China–Kenya community with a shared future for the new era, saying the move would translate into tangible benefits for citizens of both countries.

She also said Kenya remains open to more Chinese tourists and investors, noting that people-to-people exchanges remain key to strengthening bilateral ties.

Looking ahead, Ambassador Guo said 2026 — designated as the China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges — will see expanded cooperation across culture, youth, media and education, as China and African countries mark 70 years of diplomatic relations.

The event concluded with renewed commitments to expand cooperation in culture, tourism and development as the two countries usher in the Year of the Horse, a symbol of vitality and progress in Chinese culture.