China’s new reforms and it's Global Impact: Nairobi workshop explores opportunities for Academia and Media in the Reforms

The intersection of media and academia in advancing China-Kenya relations took centre stage on July 29, 2023, during a workshop titled “Opportunities from China’s Deepening Comprehensive Reforms to Advance China’s Modernization in a new era.” Hosted by China Media Group (CMG), the event gathered experts, media professionals, and distinguished guests to explore the global implications of China's reforms.

The workshop featured notable speeches and served as a platform for fostering dialogue and deepening the understanding of China’s reforms and their implications for China-Kenya relations. The discussions reaffirmed the commitment to building stronger partnerships and exploring new opportunities for mutual growth and development.

Prof. Stephen Kiama, Vice Chancellor of the University of Nairobi highlighted the transformative potential of China's ongoing reforms, referencing the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC). “China’s commitment to deepening comprehensive reforms is set to advance its modernization and establish a socialist state with distinct Chinese characteristics by 2035,” Prof. Kiama emphasized. He outlined the significant achievements of the Confucius Institute at the University of Nairobi, which has trained over 22,000 students and awarded more than 400 scholarships for studies in China. These initiatives have played a crucial role in fostering China-Kenya educational cooperation, with graduates making notable contributions to projects such as the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and various trade sectors.

Prof. Kiama also discussed the recent tripartite cooperation agreement on Chinese language education, which includes the introduction of a Bachelor of Education (Arts) Chinese Language at the University of Nairobi. This program is set to enhance local capacity for teaching Chinese and supporting Kenya’s Competence-Based Curriculum (CBC).

In his address, Prof. Kiama praised China’s strategic focus on fairness, efficiency, and innovation, aligning these principles with sustainable urbanization and industrialization. He highlighted the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as a significant framework for advancing infrastructure development in Africa. “Chinese companies have made remarkable strides in improving Africa’s infrastructure, from efficient road and rail networks to affordable housing through cost-effective technology,” he noted. The Vice Chancellor also announced a new partnership with Southwest Jiaotong University in China to establish a high-speed railway institute, aimed at enhancing rail transport expertise across Africa.

Adding depth to the discussion, Prof. Patrick Maluki, Chairman of the Institute of Diplomacy and International Studies provided a broader perspective on China-Africa relations. His speech underscored the critical role of media and academia in bridging gaps between China and Africa. “The media and academia are vital in shaping public perception and fostering cross-cultural understanding,” Prof. Maluki stated. He highlighted the achievements of media exchanges and collaborations, such as the China-Africa Media Cooperation Forum, which have enhanced mutual understanding and provided nuanced coverage of Africa in Chinese media.

Prof. Maluki also praised China’s success in poverty alleviation and its commitment to global governance and ecological conservation. “China’s experience in lifting over 100 million people out of extreme poverty serves as an inspiration and a model for development efforts globally,” he remarked.