The Star signs content sharing deal with China Daily Africa

China Daily Africa Limited Director Wang Xiaodong and Radio Africa Group CEO Martin Khafafa exchange documents after the signing at the Star headquarters in Westlands, Nairobi, on July 16, 2025 /DOUGLAS OKIDDY

The Star Publications and China Daily Africa on Wednesday signed a one-year content partnership agreement aimed at enhancing cultural exchange and broadening China’s storytelling reach in Kenya.

The agreement, signed at the Star’s headquarters at Lion Place, was officiated by Radio Africa Group CEO Martin Khafafa and China Daily Africa Limited Director Wang Xiaodong.

Under the partnership, China Watch — a China Daily insert — will be published every Tuesday in The Star, leveraging its 100,000-copy circulation. The star also prints and distributes 100,000 copies of MyGov every Tuesday.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Khafafa welcomed the partnership as an opportunity to showcase China's contributions to Kenya’s economic growth, including landmark projects such as the standard gauge railway and the Nairobi Expressway.

“The current government has been very keen on collaborating with China. This partnership gives China Daily a platform to share the East’s narrative with Kenyans through The Star,” he said.

“We are proud of this collaboration, which is not only mutually beneficial but also adds value to our readers.”

Radio Africa’s Editorial Director Paul Ilado hailed the agreement as a reflection of the trust and relevance The Star continues to build in the market.

“Turning 18 this month, The Star has had its fair share of both praise and criticism. But this deal with China Daily proves we are a brand of growing influence,” he said.

“It’s not just about revenue — though that’s important — it’s also about giving our readers content that offers a balanced global perspective. China is a major geopolitical player, and we’re glad to be part of telling its story in Africa.”

The one-year contract includes an option for renewal and marks the latest arrangement China Daily has secured on the continent.

Also present was China Daily Africa’s circulation manager Kennedy Mureithi, who emphasised the importance of telling China’s story through local partnerships.

“Our goal is to reach more readers in Kenya and the broader African region. We want to expand our influence and break down the Western bias that often shapes perceptions of China,” he said.

“Working with local media like The Star gives us the ability to communicate more effectively within local contexts, while also offering our partners access to fresh, relevant content.”

Mureithi noted that China Daily currently circulates in 15 African countries, with plans to expand to Egypt later this year.

The Kenyan partnership, he said, is central to their strategy to counter misperceptions and foster a deeper understanding of China’s role on the continent.

“We believe that by telling our story in our own voice, more Africans will come to appreciate the values, innovations, and opportunities that China offers.”

The insert content will feature cultural stories, bilateral success stories, and development-focused features — all designed to strengthen understanding and cooperation between China and Kenya.