A new era of media collaboration is emerging between Kenya and China, moving beyond mere content sharing to encompass advanced areas such as artificial intelligence, skills development, digital preservation, and joint production. This shift was highlighted at the launch of “Seeing China through Hubei Africa Media Week 2026” in Nairobi, where leaders from both nations pledged to enhance their media sectors through technology while honouring their unique cultural narratives.
As the media landscape in Kenya rapidly evolves, marked by the rise of AI and a decline in traditional advertising revenue, stakeholders are seizing this partnership as an opportunity to modernise while ensuring that local stories remain at the forefront. Agnes Kalekye, the CEO of the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), stated that the relationship between the two countries has matured from a focus on trade and infrastructure to one rooted in the “power of shared stories.”
Kalekye underscored the importance of this partnership, saying, “While decades of cooperation in trade and education have been crucial, today’s collaboration is about building connections between people, hearts, and diverse cultures.” She also emphasised Nairobi’s strategic role as a gateway to Africa, highlighting Kenya’s rich history and untapped storytelling potential ready for a global audience. Strengthened international cooperation, she argued, would demonstrate that “no human is limited” in talent and cultural expression.
KBC has already established collaborations with various Chinese media organisations, including Xinhua News Agency and China Radio International, paving the way for content exchange and cultural learning. Recently, KBC hosted a delegation from Hubei Broadcasting Corporation to explore further opportunities for collaboration. Kalekye expressed a desire for the partnership to evolve: “We will move beyond exchange into genuine collaboration and integration,” signalling a shift toward co-creating media content.
A key priority for KBC is the digitisation of its extensive archives, which date back to 1928, to ensure the preservation of Kenya’s broadcasting history for future generations. Kalekye acknowledged the challenges faced by public broadcasters in a competitive media landscape, where global tech companies dominate advertising revenue, and AI transforms media production. However, she maintained that technology should enhance human creativity rather than replace it.
Jane Kinyajui, Deputy Director of Communications and Stakeholder Engagement, echoed these sentiments, pointing out that digital technologies are reshaping how audiences consume media. She underscored the importance of international cooperation in this new landscape. She outlined three focal areas for future Kenya-China media collaboration: exchanging high-quality digital content, fostering professional training and partnerships, and committing to ethical journalism to maintain public trust.
Through this partnership, Kenya and China aim to create a storytelling framework that respects cultural diversity while embracing technological innovation.
