
Chinese New Year Celebration
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On Sunday, the Two Rivers Mall in Nairobi's northern suburbs became a vibrant hub as hundreds of Kenyans gathered for the annual Chinese New Year gala.
Attendees sought refuge from the sweltering heat while immersing themselves in the rich cultural offerings of the event. Among the visitors was Benjamin Buyeshe, a devoted Kungfu practitioner since 2018, who found joy in the aromas of freshly made dumplings.
"The Chinese New Year celebrations uplift me as a Kenyan and deepen my appreciation for Chinese culture," Buyeshe remarked, reflecting on his enthusiasm for the vibrant music, traditional dances, and a variety of Chinese cuisine showcased during the festivities.
The event, organized by Chinese companies in Kenya, drew a diverse audience that included senior government officials, diplomats, business leaders, and academics. Highlights included traditional Chinese folk and lion dances, dynamic Kungfu performances by Shaolin monks, and an array of culinary delights. A particularly memorable moment was a dragon dance performed by local university students, which prompted audience members, including Buyeshe, to sway to the accompanying drumbeats.
Seated near the front with his young son, Geoffrey Kengele, a Nairobi-based medical professional, expressed his appreciation for the cross-cultural exchanges the event fostered. Encouraged by his wife, a former architecture student in China, Kengele recognized the importance of engaging in and developing healthy interactions as Kenya and China strengthen their cultural ties.
"Our relationship with China is evolving, and it's important to engage in healthy interactions," Kengele noted.
This year's celebrations marked the commencement of the Year of the Snake, a symbol of wisdom, intuition, and strategic growth. Ummi Bashir, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Culture, the Arts, and Heritage, noted the gala’s significance in promoting hope, prosperity, and unity. She highlighted the remarkable progress in Sino-Kenyan cultural cooperation, attributing it to shared values and mutual respect.
"Kenya and China are committed to advancing the Global Civilization Initiative, which champions respect for diverse civilizations and robust international exchanges," Bashir stated.
Centum Investment Company CEO James Mworia praised the gala as emblematic of the vibrant economic and cultural ties between the two nations. For Joseph Onyango, a 27-year-old delivery man attending the event for the first time, the experience was illuminating. “I am eager to participate again next year and learn more about Chinese culture, food, and music,” he expressed.
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