In a significant move to bolster the film and theater sectors, Kenya and China have signed a series of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs).
The agreements were formalized in a ceremony attended by key representatives from both nations, including Dong Xin, Deputy Minister of the National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) of China; Timothy Owase, CEO of the Kenya Film Commission; and CPA Pascal Opiyo, CEO of the Kenya Film and Classification Board.
Themed ‘Kenya, China TV Theatre,’ the event highlighted a range of Chinese TV programs, underscoring the rich cultural exchange between the two countries. Jimmy Carter Luo, CEO of StarTimes Media (Kenya) Ltd, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership and its potential to impact the film and cultural exchange sectors in both nations.
“This collaboration is essential for the advancement of our creative industries. It offers a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, technological innovation, and cultural enrichment,” Carter said. He emphasized that the Kenya-China TV Theatre initiative would pave the way for joint productions, content sharing, and professional exchanges between Kenyan and Chinese media entities.
Deputy Minister Dong Xin of the NRTA echoed this optimism, stating, “This event marks a new chapter in our bilateral relations, particularly in the realm of media and entertainment. We look forward to deepening our collaboration with Kenya to foster cultural exchange and mutual development.” He highlighted that the MOUs reflect a strong commitment to nurturing and expanding the film and television industries in both countries, aiming to enhance the quality and diversity of content available.
Prof. Edward Kisiang’ani, in a statement read by Judith Munyinyi, Secretary of Information Ministry of ICT, emphasized the significant impact of this collaboration on the media industry. “The exchange of content between Kenya and China is crucial,” he said, anticipating continued collaboration between the two nations.
Timothy Owase, CEO of the Kenya Film Commission, also lauded the partnership’s potential to transform Kenya’s film industry. He noted the government’s ongoing support for youth in realizing their talents. “We are greatly humbled by this partnership between Kenya and China in the field of film and theatre, and we will continue pushing further for our youths to get job opportunities in the film and art industry,” Owase said.
The signing of these MOUs marks a pivotal step in strengthening cultural ties and promoting the growth of the film and theater industries in Kenya and China.