CS Ababu Namwamba, ministry of Youth Affairs, sports and Arts in Kenya, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Arts and Film development. At the time, he accompanied the Chinese Ambassador to Kenya, Zhou PingJian. The signing ceremony of the MoU took place on August 14.
PS Ismail Maalim and Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs representative was also present to witness the signing ceremony. Through the various initiatives, the ministry also seeks to strengthen cinematic ties between the two nations and deepen the 60-year relationship between Kenya and China.
“We are delighted to sign this MoU between our nations, to develop the arts and film areas and celebrate the corporation in Film between China and Kenya. We believe the potential in Film and the arts is immense. Further, Film is a major component of our flagship #TalantaHela program. The programme, in turn, seeks to monetize talents and build sustainable livelihoods,” asserted the Cabinet Secretary.
“We consider Film a powerful tool for exposing our culture and cultural corporation besides being a powerful tool for employment creation, ” he added.
CS Ababu also assured the Chinese delegation that Kenya was happy to continue exploring new areas of collaboration that can further strengthen the 60-year-old bond and improve Kenya-China bilateral engagements.
“I have had a good conversation with the Ambassador on exploring areas of creative economy, and I am happy that he has been welcoming in exploring these areas of partnership.
“The government considers the creative economy an important Frontier for driving the economy and providing employment opportunities. This administration has prioritized the creative economy as a key driver of economic development. It is implementing a new policy direction called the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which provides opportunities for all population segments from the lowest level. The creative economy is considered a key ignition for this.”
The CS added that through the MOU, his ministry envisaged organizing exchange programs, Co-productions arrangements, and exchange of technology and key skills between Kenya’s and Chinese artists.
“Through the Film and creative industry, we can expand the people-to-people interaction as we celebrate 60 years of friendship and diplomatic relations. We consider you a valuable and cherishable partner in this relationship,” added CS Ababu Namwamba.
On his part, the Chinese Ambassador H.E. Zhou PingJian highlighted the historical significance of film production in China and how it could create employment opportunities for the youth if harnessed well in Kenya.
“This collaboration between Kenya and China resonates with the spirit of unity, creativity, and shared prosperity as witnessed in our 60 years of good relations, ” he said.
“Through this partnership, we anticipate a dynamic exchange of artistic excellence and cultural insights that will not only enrich our film industries but also enhance the lives of our people, ” he added.
The MoU will also see the two nations collaborate in capacity-building programs, technological exchanges, and cultural enrichment to elevate Kenya’s film and arts space towards positively impacting the country’s cinematic creations.
Meanwhile, the Kenya Film Commission CEO, Dr Timothy Owase, Kenya Film and Classification Board acting CEO Joel Wamalwa and Kenya Cultural Centre CEO, Michael Pundo were also present at the event.
 on Arts and Film development with China. The Chinese Ambassador was present at the signing){kind=link}