Kenya and China have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening collaboration in the film and creative industries, with a renewed focus on leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), emerging technologies and co-productions to drive innovation and cultural exchange.
The commitment was underscored during the launch of The Bond Season Six in Nairobi, a showcase of premium Chinese film and television productions organised by China Media Group (CMG) Africa to strengthen cultural ties and people-to-people engagement between the two countries.
Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan said the partnership reflects a shared ambition to use AI and other emerging technologies to transform film production while fostering creativity and closer cultural cooperation.
“China is ready to work with Kenya in adopting artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies to support innovation, improve film production and unlock new opportunities for our creative industries,” she said.
Describing film and television as a universal language that connects people across cultures, Guo said The Bond Season Six offers Kenyan audiences a deeper understanding of modern China while laying the foundation for stronger bilateral collaboration. She also expressed hope that more Kenyan films and television productions would be showcased in China, creating a truly two-way cultural exchange.
Kenya Film Commission Chief Executive Officer Timothy Owase welcomed the growing partnership, saying Kenya is eager to expand film co-productions and strategic collaborations with China.
“Kenya is ready to work with China in co-producing films and developing partnerships that will create more opportunities for filmmakers from both countries,” Owase said.
He noted that greater collaboration would accelerate technology transfer, strengthen industry skills and enable the production of content capable of competing in regional and international markets.
Kenya Film Classification Board Chief Executive Officer Nelly Muruka reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring audiences have access to responsible and age-appropriate content. She confirmed that The Bond Season Six had completed the board’s classification process and received a 16-year age rating.
Government Spokesperson Charles Owino said the government remains focused on creating a favourable investment climate for international partners while positioning Kenya as a leading destination for film production and creative investment.
He said increased collaboration with global partners would stimulate economic growth, create employment opportunities, develop local talent and further establish Kenya as a regional hub for film and television production.
The launch brought together senior government officials, media executives and industry stakeholders, including Media Council of Kenya CEO David Omwoyo, Kenya Broadcasting Corporation Managing Director Agnes Kalekye and China Media Group Regional Bureau Director Song Dailing, reflecting the growing momentum behind Kenya-China cooperation in the creative sector.
