Wildebeests at Maasai Mara National Reserve/COURTESYThe China-Kenya cultural and tourism partnership is set for another milestone next week with the live streaming of the world-famous wildebeest migration in the Maasai Mara.
The broadcast, to be carried out by the China Media Group, which boasts a viewership of over 25 million people globally, is expected to showcase Kenya’s rich wildlife heritage to a vast international audience and boost tourism interest in the country.
Speaking during the 2025 China-Kenya Culture and Tourism Season Exchange, Director of Public Communication at the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, Hezekiel Gikambi, emphasised the growing cooperation between the two nations, especially in promoting Kenya’s natural wonders and cultural diversity.
“We are continuing to grow our partnership. Next week, we shall have a great initiative that began last year, the live broadcast of the great migration in the Mara," Gikambi said.
The broadcast, he said, is expected to attract more tourists to Kenya.
The official who represented Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa during the event stated that as a ministry, they are making efforts to ensure every continent sees Kenya as the true home of man.
"We are seeking to ensure that each and every continent in this world is looking at Kenya as the home of man," he said.
Tourism Public Communications Director Hezekiel Gikambi (left) and Kisumu East MP Shakeel Shabbir address the press during the 2025 China-Kenya Culture and Tourism Season Exchange at the Kenya National Theatre, Nairobi on July 17, 2025/LEAH MUKANGAIHe cited the recent listing of the reserve in the World Book of Records, UK, as the site of the “World’s Greatest Annual Terrestrial Wildlife Migration" noting it continues to earn acclaim as the "eighth wonder of the world."
“Karibu Kenya,” he said.
"Come experience the magic of our wildlife, our people, and our stories.”
The World Book of Records listing honours the annual migration of more than 1.5 million wildebeests, zebras and antelopes across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem.
The Great Migration, one of the planet’s most awe-inspiring natural events, draws thousands of visitors each year and plays a major role in maintaining ecological balance in the region.
The upcoming livestream is the second major cultural event within a short span, following the celebration of 40 years of acrobatic cultural exchange between China and Kenya.
The series of events is part of a broader effort to deepen diplomatic ties and enhance mutual understanding through tourism and cultural engagement.
Kisumu East MP Shakeel Shabbir, who was present, added his view, noting Chinese investments in Kenya have been more about building and adding value.
He welcomed the Mongolian performers warmly, referring to them as “cousins, not in the political sense, but in the cultural one,” and celebrated the moment when Kenyan dancers joined their Chinese counterparts on stage.
"It showed that while our cultures are different, they are also beautifully compatible,” he said.
