Chinesenewskenya

Title: Strengthening Kenya-China Ties: FOCAC as a Catalyst for Multifaceted Collaboration

By Dr Henry Rotich, Chairman of the Kenya-China Alumni Association

In a recent exchange of letters, President Xi Jinping's warm response to representatives and alumni of Kenyan students at Beijing Jiaotong University marked a significant milestone in the flourishing relationship between Kenya and China. As Chairman of the Kenya-China Alumni Association, I view this as an opportune moment to deepen collaboration between our nations, tapping into our shared history and values to build a future marked by prosperity and cooperation.

One vital avenue for this enhanced partnership lies in leveraging forums such as the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), which serves as the primary multi-lateral coordination mechanism between African countries and China. FOCAC, known for fostering economic and political ties between China and African countries, brings forth more opportunities to expand collaboration in various sectors, including education, research, infrastructure, and tourism.

Our education sector greatly benefits from increased cooperation between Kenya and China through FOCAC. The presence of Chinese-educated alumni in Kenya has played a role in fostering understanding and collaboration. They have pursued higher education in China, creating a bridge of cultural exchange and knowledge transfer. The Kenya-China Alumni Association, for example, serves as a valuable conduit for maintaining and strengthening bilateral ties, promoting people-to-people connections, and facilitating business and academic collaborations. Our engineers have built and maintain the infrastructure that connects our communities; our teachers have imparted knowledge that shapes young minds; interpreters have facilitated understanding and communication on a global scale; economists and bankers have contributed to our economic growth; international relations experts have fostered diplomatic ties; tour guides have showcased the beauty of our nation to the world; and performing artists have enriched our culture and heritage. By facilitating scholarships, exchange programmes, and joint research initiatives, FOCAC can act as a catalyst for academic partnerships that transcend borders. This would not only enrich the educational experience for Kenyan students but also contribute to the global exchange of knowledge.

Moreover, research collaboration is a key pillar that can be fortified through FOCAC. By encouraging joint research projects, technology transfer, and knowledge-sharing initiatives, both nations can harness their collective expertise to address common challenges and contribute to global advancements in science and innovation. By having African scholars engage directly with Chinese scholars, they are able to inject African strategic thinking and their lived experiences into the future of China-Africa relations.

Tourism is another sphere where FOCAC can play a pivotal role. A 2021 report by the World Tourism Organisation showed Chinese tourists were the biggest spenders in the world, with each spending more than $1,250 (Sh180,000) per trip, which was almost 35 percent higher than their European counterparts. By fostering cultural exchanges, promoting tourism initiatives, and encouraging people-to-people interactions, FOCAC can contribute to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the rich histories and vibrant cultures that Kenya and China share. This can boost the 2024 entry of Chinese tourists into Kenya from the current number of around 60,000 to over 300,000 by marketing Kenya through strategic cooperation in media and film. Last year, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China and the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Sports, and the Arts launched the Kenya-China Film Week and the Chinese Media Gala to expound on ways to showcase the beauty of Kenya to China. This kind of partnership will not only boost economic ties but also enhance mutual understanding between our people.

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