Understanding China) Building an "all-weather" partnership: The Kenyan experience in China.

From November 12, hundreds of Chinese and African scholars and diplomacy experts will gather in South Africa for the Global South Media and Think Tank Forum: China-Africa Partnership Conference.

At the center of the two-day high-level deliberations would be what I would term the ‘soul of international relations’, that is, People-to-People exchanges.

In 2023, China’s Global Civilization Initiative powerfully reaffirmed this, placing human connection at the core of shared progress.

This vision finds a vibrant and willing partner in Kenya, with whom China has just elevated its relationship to a comprehensive, strategic ‘all-weather cooperation.’

And what fuels this 'all-weather' partnership? It is the living, breathing bridge built between our people, and Kenya has outstanding examples.

First, the foundation: Education. The educational corridor between our nations is thriving. I recall vividly the sendoff reception for Kenyan students awarded Chinese government scholarships.

To date, more than 2,000 Kenyan students have pursued their dreams in China through these scholarships, from engineers to teachers to Kung Fu specialists, name them.

One story captures the practical bit. A group of Kenyan students at the Beijing Jiaotong University wrote a letter to President Xi Jinping, sharing their experiences, and received a heartfelt reply from the Chinese leader.

This is more than an academic journey; it is a dialogue of hearts and minds.

The Confucius Institutes at the University of Nairobi, Egerton University, Moi University and Kenyatta University, the pioneering TVET education cooperation, attest to this.

Two years from now, Kenya will graduate its first batch of registered Chinese teachers, creating a sustainable pipeline for language learning and cultural understanding for our youth.

Second, tourism. This year, the cooperating sides successfully launched the first China-Kenya Culture and Tourism Season.

There was spectacular opening ceremony, where Kenyan acrobats who were trained in China put up a powerful performance.

It featured artists from Hubei province as well. Months later, there was a show by the Inner Mongolia troupe at the Kenya National Theatre, a testament to China's cultural diversity.

Beyond the stage, the China Media Group’s live stream of the wildebeest migration from the Maasai Mara brought Kenya’s wildlife treat directly to millions of Chinese viewers, and their interview with President Ruto further deepened understanding.

The result? We are witnessing a steady rise in Chinese tourists to Kenya.

During President Ruto's historic visit to China, the two sides agreed to establish a Chinese Cultural Centre in Nairobi, a project both sides are now working closely to realize.

This September, three influential Kenyan celebrities and influencers visited China.

They shared their authentic experiences with millions of followers, breaking stereotypes and building relatable connections.

Just last month, a seminar in China brought together 28 Kenyan journalists.

Dozens more, including yours truly, have visited through other programmes among them the China International Communication Press Center (CIPCC).

When our journalists see, experience, and report firsthand, they don't just write stories; they build a more accurate narrative of our partnership.

The joint statement issued during Kenya’s President William Ruto's visit to China on the invitation of President Xi Jinping tells of how the dynamic exchanges are not just happening in isolation, but are powerfully articulated and given diplomatic weight.

Various sets of work is ongoing as a result of the high-level deliberations; from water projects in Kilifi, Kwale counties in the coastal Kenya and to road projects lined up to open the country’s borders to the west.

The same currently stifled by a single-line road network which China aims to open up to six-lane thoroughfares, carrying with them the hopes of a more connected Africa.

At the centre of the deliverables is China’s ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan.

Since her posting in January, she has visited several counties, held talks with the concerned governors and duty bearers on how to advance the relations.

China has also come in handy for needy children at Kenya’s Mathare slum – one of the largest informal settlement.

At the slum, China has for years supported MCEDO-Beijing School, named after the Chinese capital, brightening faces of hundreds of young ones, some of whom are now pursuing various disciplines, breaking the barriers to education in leaps and bounds.

From the lecture halls of Beijing to the stages of Nairobi, from the live streams of the Mara to the social media feeds of influencers, the Kenya-China people-to-people exchange is a vibrant and multi-layered tapestry.

This is the human foundation upon which a sustainable and prosperous future for FOCAC is being built.