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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.
The success of projects like the Standard Gauge Railway, the Moja Expressway, and the magnificent GTC towers, also known as the “I love Nairobi” building, serve as a testament to the potential within the infrastructural domain. The Belt and Road Initiative can further amplify the impact of such ventures, providing a platform for dialogue and collaboration that goes beyond physical connectivity to play an important role in the continent's industrialization and economic transformation.

In his response, President Xi Jinping urged the alumni to dedicate themselves to realising the plans of the Belt and Road cooperation and the China-Kenya comprehensive strategic cooperation partnership. As we look towards the future, the alumni and the younger generations, with their dynamism and innovative spirit, will play a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of our nations. FOCAC, by fostering cooperation in education, research, and tourism, will empower the youth to become ambassadors of a shared future, fostering enduring friendships between our countries.

As China prepares to host the 2024 FOCAC meeting, let us all continue to explore ways to strengthen the bond between Kenya and China. Seizing opportunities in education, research, infrastructure, tourism, and beyond propels us on a dynamic path to shape a future defined by shared prosperity and enhanced mutual understanding.

Dr Henry Rotich
Chairman, Kenya-China Alumni Association
The Kenya China Alumni Association, would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for the gracious response from the President of the People’s Republic of China Mr. Xi JinPing to the letter from representatives and alumni of Kenyan students at Beijing Jiaotong University. The congratulatory message resonates deeply with the joy we share in appreciating the invaluable education we received in China.

We acknowledge the historical ties between Kenya and China and recognize the significance of the Belt and Road project, particularly the Standard Gauge Railway, as a "railway of happiness" linking our nations. The encouragement for us to be architects of the shared future is both inspiring and humbling.

The Alumni Association, which comprises of about 1500 members is committed to shaping the future of our countries through infrastructure development and cultural diplomacy. We are currently working on projects that will further put to use the knowledge and expertise we have acquired from our studies in China. This include; the Chinese Mashinani Initiative which seeks to disseminate Chinese language and culture in the rural parts of Kenya, organizing cultural events like the Chinese Food Extravaganza, capacity building of members through interpreter training and other thematic trainings, professional workshops, networking. Our goal is to further explore the potential of the symbiotic relationship between Kenya and China.

Joseph Maritim, Kenya's first alumni in China, stands as a testament to the transformative impact of education received in your country. As a seasoned engineer, he has contributed significantly to Nairobi's skyline with his work on numerous skyscrapers. His success exemplifies the potential within each Kenyan student who studies in China.

We urge fellow alumni to follow suit, becoming catalysts for change in Kenya by applying the skills acquired in China in a transformative manner. By doing so, we aim to contribute to the growth and prosperity of both nations, building a stronger foundation for the shared future you envision.
We would like express our best wishes for the enduring friendship between Kenya and China.
Sincerely,

Dr Henry Kibet Rotich


Chairman
Kenya-China Alumni Association
Mobile: +254-727-043-763
Email: kenyachinalumni@gmail.com
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Today at 8:30 pm there shall be a feature story on our Alumni chairperson Dr Henry Rotich on KTN explaining his work in Kenya china friendship, kindly make time to watch this important feature.