The governments of Kenya and the People’s Republic of China are exploring a comprehensive partnership focused on youth-oriented programmes.
During a meeting with Youth Affairs, Sports, and Creative Economy Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan revealed that Beijing is keen to invest more in various youth development initiatives in Kenya, as the two countries strengthen their strategic partnership.
“The foundation of China-Kenya relations lies in the people. The future lies in the youth, and sports exchanges and cooperation are important bridges,” she stated.
She noted that engaging young people and addressing issues affecting them plays a significant role in promoting south-to-south practical cooperation for sustainable development.
“We are ready to work with Kenya to implement the important consensus between the two heads of state, promote the implementation of the China-Africa Partnership for People-to-People Exchange initiative in Kenya, and solidify the public support for building an even closer China-Kenya community with a shared future in the new era,” said Ambassador Guo.
The Cabinet Secretary welcomed the commitment from the Chinese government and praised Beijing for its role in helping Kenya achieve its developmental aspirations across various sectors of the economy.
Mvurya described his discussions with the Chinese Ambassador as productive, noting that Kenya is eager to enlist China’s support in developing and expanding sports infrastructure within the country.
“Our deliberations focused on strengthening our nations’ bilateral ties by expanding collaborations in sports, the creative economy, and youth initiatives, with a particular emphasis on enhancing sports infrastructure for long-term development,” he said.
Their meeting coincides with the rapid construction of Talanta Sports City Stadium in Nairobi, which is being built by the Chinese firm China Road and Bridge Construction Company (CRBC). The contractor has committed to completing the 60,000-capacity stadium by December this year, achieving a record construction time of two years.
The stadium, which began construction last year, will serve as a venue for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
“China will support the development of mass sports as well as sports disciplines in Africa. China is willing to supporting the preparation of high-level African athletes to participate in world competitions in relations with individual sports association,” President Xi Jinping stated during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit in Beijing last year.
While announcing Ten Action Plans to shape Sino-Africa cooperation over the next three years, he highlighted that young people represent the hope of the China-Africa relationship and committed to strengthening exchanges and cooperation between youth and women to cement the social foundation for building a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future.
In line with the priorities of Agenda 2063, he noted that China and Africa will pursue the empowerment of women and youth while respecting different traditions and cultures, particularly in the areas of employment, leadership, decent work, entrepreneurship, education and learning, agriculture, health, and access to financing.
