Chinese in Kenya hold pompous gala to usher in 'Year of the Dragon'

The Chinese in Kenya on Saturday held the 2024  Nairobi Chinese New Year Gala to usher in a new lunar year. 

The Chinese have 12 lunar years each named after an animal. This year, they welcomed the 'Year of the Dragon' at the Two Rivers Mall in an event that was full of pomp and colour.

The Kenya Overseas Chinese Association and the Kenya Chinese Women Association co-hosted the Gala on the first day of the first lunar month of the Dragon year.

Kenya Overseas Chinese Association Councilor Gao Wei noted that the Chinese new year celebrations, also called the Spring Festival, has been adopted by the United Nations. 

"On December 22, 2023, the 78th United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution to list the Lunar New Year as a UN floating holiday," Wei said. 

Consequently on January 31, 2024, the United Nations Office at Nairobi held the first Lunar New Year reception where the guests present spent an unforgettable time in a joyful and peaceful atmosphere.

Approximately one-fifth of the world's population celebrates the Spring Festival in different forms with 20 countries listing it as a public holiday.

Wei explained that the typical Chinese dragon is a creature deeply embedded in their culture as a symbol of luck, strength and wisdom.

"The Spring Festival is the most important traditional festival in China," Wei said. 

The Gala which was entry-free featured Chinese cultural exhibitions, festive performances, Chinese cuisines and interactive games, with participation from 53 organisations and nearly 150 performers.

The Gala was graced by Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Zhou Pingjian and the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Nairobi Zainab Hawa Bangura. 

Kenya China Alumni Association Chairman Henry Rotich said the two countries have a good relationship which offers many opportunities for their citizens as they interact.

"Other than infrastructure, we have scholarships for Kenyans to go study in China and a number of them come back with ideas and business opportunities to implement in Kenya, contributing in nation building," Rotich said. 

He urged Kenyans to promote their culture just like the Chinese were doing their own even as they are far away from home. 

Joyce Muoti said as a business woman she has been importing leather products from China and reselling them. 

She said the Gala offered her an opportunity to understand the diverse and rich Chinese culture and what it has to offer. 

"I have gone around the exhibition, tasted the Chinese food and enjoyed the Chinese music," Muoti said.