Chinese Embassy marks Children’s Day with push for deeper Kenya ties

Kenyan schoolchildren on Monday got a firsthand taste of Chinese culture, history and traditions during an Embassy Open Day in Nairobi.

Chinese Ambassador Guo Haiyan said the event was aimed at deepening people-to-people exchanges and nurturing the next generation of Kenya-China friendship.

The event, held to mark International Children's Day, brought together learners and teachers from MCEDO Beijing School, Biddi Primary School, Brookehouse School and Braeburn School for a day of cultural performances, games and interactive experiences.

Students were treated to Chinese dances, songs, rhythmic rap performances, martial arts displays and the famous face-changing act from Sichuan Opera before taking part in fun activities such as tug-of-war and land dragon boat racing.

They also experienced traditional Chinese culture through activities including making zongzi, fragrant pouches and Chinese knots, Chinese calligraphy and pitch-pot games.

Speaking during the opening ceremony, Ambassador Guo said children represent the future of both nations and would play a critical role in strengthening ties between Kenya and China.

“Children mean hope. You not only carry the expectations of your families, but also shoulder the responsibility for the future development of the country. I sincerely hope that you bloom and prosper, and grow into the talents who contribute positively to the country and society,” she said.

The ambassador added that hosting the Embassy Open Day on International Children's Day would allow the learners to enjoy ‘pleasant and memorable’ experiences while learning more about China.

Guo used the occasion to highlight the long history of interaction between the two countries, tracing it back more than six centuries to the voyages of the Chinese explorer Zheng He along the East African coast.

She recounted the well-known story of Zheng He's fleet visiting Mombasa and Malindi, where cultural and commercial exchanges took place.

According to the ambassador, the fleet returned to China with a giraffe presented by local leaders, a gift that later became a symbol of friendship between the two peoples.

“This story is widely known in China today and has become a celebrated tale of the friendly exchanges between China and Kenya,” she said.

The ambassador said the relationship had grown significantly since the establishment of diplomatic ties shortly after Kenya attained independence in 1963.

“For more than 60 years, China-Kenya relations have continuously deepened and developed. Just like a flourishing tree, the friendship between our two countries is putting down deeper roots and growing stronger,” Guo said.

She pointed to major infrastructure projects implemented by Chinese firms in Kenya, including the Standard Gauge Railway, Nairobi Expressway, Nairobi Global Trade Centre and Talanta Sports Stadium.

Amb Guo hailed the projects had become visible symbols of the partnership between the two countries.

“Practical cooperation between the two countries has yielded fruitful results,” she said, adding that the projects had promoted the country’s economic and social development while improving people's livelihoods.

Beyond infrastructure, Guo emphasised the importance of educational and cultural exchanges in sustaining bilateral relations.

She noted that more than 2,000 Kenyan students had studied in China under Chinese government scholarships, while the four Confucius Institutes operating in Kenya had trained tens of thousands of Kenyans in the Chinese language.

She also cited growing tourism and exchange visits, saying more than 100,000 Chinese tourists visit Kenya annually, while many Kenyans travel to China for learning and business engagements.

The open day, she said, was designed to build on those exchanges by exposing young Kenyans to Chinese culture at an early age.

Acknowledging that many of the learners had never visited China, the ambassador sought to spark their curiosity about the Asian nation.

She described China as an ancient civilisation that had combined historical heritage with rapid modernisation.

“I know that most of you have never been to China and are full of curiosity about China,” she said.

The envoy outlined China's achievements in poverty reduction, industrialisation, high-speed rail development and new energy vehicle production.

Guo encouraged the students to continue following developments in China and to take advantage of future opportunities for study and travel.

“As the saying goes, ‘Seeing is believing’, I hope you study hard, follow China and China-Kenya relations more closely. When you grow up, you can visit China, learn more about China in person, fall in love with China, and contribute to the development of China-Kenya relations,” she said.

The ambassador expressed optimism about the future of bilateral ties, saying growing economic cooperation, people-to-people exchanges and China's trade policies toward Africa would continue strengthening the relationship.

“Under the guidance of China's Africa policy of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith, and boosted by China's zero-tariff treatment for African products, we have every reason to believe that China-Kenya relations will enjoy a brighter future,” she said.

The embassy's open day ended with cultural exhibitions and Chinese cuisine.

It left the dozens of learners with a closer understanding of a country that has become one of Kenya's most important economic and diplomatic partners.

Organisers said the event reflected a growing emphasis on cultural diplomacy as both nations seek to deepen ties beyond trade and infrastructure and invest in relationships among their younger generations.