Kenya and China have commenced discussions to strengthen their partnership in the media sector, focusing on economic empowerment and knowledge sharing. Emphasizing the need for modernized infrastructure and training, officials from both countries outline strategies for technological collaboration and enhancing media capabilities. As ties between the two nations advance, this cooperation is seen as vital for cultural exchange and addressing shared challenges.
The governments of Kenya and China have initiated discussions to enhance their bilateral partnership in the media sector. Principal Secretary of the State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications, Prof. Edward Kisiang’ani, emphasized that this collaboration aims to promote economic empowerment and facilitate the sharing of information and knowledge between the two nations.
Central to Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation (BETA) agenda are five core pillars: Agricultural Transformation, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, Housing and Settlement, Healthcare, and the Digital Superhighway and Creative Economy. Prof. Kisiang’ani expressed the need for media to evolve beyond basic reportage and instead contribute to the economic and social transformation of both countries.
During a meeting with Zhang Zhizhong, the Deputy Chief of Mission of China to Kenya, and other officials, Prof. Kisiang’ani highlighted the importance of knowledge exchange in cultural diversity and technological access within the media industry. He stated that such media collaboration is crucial for disseminating information through various channels, including radio and online platforms.
The PS noted significant Chinese investments in Kenya’s media sector, emphasizing that collaborations between the Ministry of Information and the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) should include training, capacity building, and upgrading infrastructure. He pointed out the necessity for KBC to enhance its technological capabilities to ensure high-quality news output.
Prof. Kisiang’ani stressed the challenges posed by outdated media equipment, particularly regarding the integration of artificial intelligence for processing news. He called for focused efforts on training and providing essential tools to modernize the Directorate of Information.
Minister Counsellor Zhang Zhizhong reaffirmed the importance of media cooperation for fostering mutual understanding between the peoples of Kenya and China, recognizing Kenya’s potential as an emerging economic powerhouse in Africa. He emphasized establishing direct links between media sectors for more substantial collaborations.
Zhang Zhizhong also noted that joint news reports could be produced on shared priorities like climate change and cultural diplomacy. KBC CEO Agnes Kalekye confirmed ongoing proposals with Xinhua and China Media Group, focusing on technology transfer and training in artificial intelligence.
Kalekye expressed the urgency of upgrading equipment, acknowledging the promise of cooperation from China in advancing to 5G broadcasting. She highlighted the opportunity for Kenya to leap into the digital age through equitable partnerships with China. Diplomatic relations between China and Kenya were established in 1963, briefly suspended in 1967, and resumed in 1978.
In conclusion, the discussions between Kenya and China regarding media cooperation represent a significant step towards mutual economic empowerment and technological advancement. The partnership aims to modernize media infrastructure and enhance knowledge exchange, keeping pace with the rapidly evolving digital landscape. This collaboration not only addresses current needs in media technology but also fosters cultural exchange and shared priorities between the two nations.
Original Source: www.kenyanews.go.ke
