Kenya and China Strengthen Media Partnership for Economic Empowerment

Kenya and China have begun discussions to enhance their media partnership aimed at economic empowerment and knowledge sharing. Principal Secretary Prof. Edward Kisiang’ani emphasized the need for modern technological collaboration, shifting media focus to impactful storytelling. Deputy Chief of Mission Zhang Zhizhong highlighted the importance of cooperation for mutual understanding between the countries, while KBC CEO Agnes Kalekye discussed proposals for technology transfer and modernization efforts.

The governments of Kenya and China have initiated discussions to strengthen their bilateral partnership in the media sector. Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications, Prof. Edward Kisiang’ani, emphasized that this collaboration is intended to foster economic empowerment as well as facilitate information and knowledge exchange. This partnership aligns with Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation (BETA) agenda, which centers on five fundamental pillars: Agricultural Transformation, the MSME Economy, Housing and Settlement, Healthcare, and Digital Superhighway and Creative Economy.

During a recent meeting with the Deputy Chief of Mission of China to Kenya, Zhang Zhizhong, and other officials, Prof. Kisiang’ani advocated for a shift in media focus from basic reporting to narratives that promote economic and social transformations between the two nations. “China and Kenya both have a lot to share, be it on matters of cultural diversity… as well as access to modern technologies in the media industry,” he remarked.

The Principal Secretary highlighted the importance of establishing a platform for the exchange of ideas through media collaboration, which would involve sharing information across radio and the internet. He acknowledged that China’s investments in Kenya are substantial and expressed that collaborations in training and infrastructure upgrades are essential for enhancing the capabilities of the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) and other media organizations.

Prof. Kisiang’ani pointed out that inadequate technological resources could hinder news quality. He stated, “If you have an inferior technological setup, news will not be of good quality… support should not just be about human resource development but also about collaborating in terms of getting the right equipment.”

Moreover, he stressed the need for capacity building, particularly for the Directorate of Information, which has traditionally operated on an analogue system. He indicated that the partnership would prioritize training and modernizing equipment and tools to adapt to evolving media demands.

Minister Counsellor Zhang Zhizhong emphasized the significance of media cooperation as a key means for both nations to understand each other better. He mentioned, “Kenya is one of the emerging economic powers in Africa… it’s very important for our media sectors to establish direct links and further cooperation.”

Zhang also indicated that journalists from KBC and Xinhua in Beijing would collaborate on reporting joint priorities, such as climate change and cultural diplomacy. KBC CEO Agnes Kalekye confirmed that proposals for technology transfer and ongoing training in Artificial Intelligence have already been made. She noted the urgency of upgrading obsolete equipment and the potential offered by partnerships with China, particularly in advancing to 5G broadcasting.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1963, which saw a temporary suspension in 1967 and a reestablishment in 1978, the partnership between China and Kenya continues to evolve, with media collaboration playing a pivotal role in facilitating mutual understanding and development.

In conclusion, the collaboration between Kenya and China in the media sector aims to not only enhance bilateral relations but also to support economic empowerment and technological advancement. By focusing on training, infrastructure upgrades, and modern equipment, this partnership endeavors to shift media narratives toward fostering growth. Furthermore, as both nations look to establish stronger connections, media cooperation will serve as a foundational element for shared progress and cultural understanding.

Original Source: www.kenyanews.go.ke