Kenya and China are enhancing their partnership in the media sector to support economic empowerment and knowledge sharing. The collaboration aligns with Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation agenda and aims to modernize media infrastructure and training. Key figures from both sides emphasized the importance of technology and cooperation for advancing journalism and fostering cultural understanding.
The governments of Kenya and China are engaging in discussions to enhance their bilateral partnership, particularly within the media sector. Principal Secretary of the State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications, Professor Edward Kisiang’ani, emphasized that this collaboration aims to empower the economy and facilitate the sharing of information and knowledge.
This partnership aligns with Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation (BETA) agenda, centered on five critical areas: Agricultural Transformation, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Economy, Housing and Settlement, Healthcare, and the Digital Superhighway and Creative Economy. During a recent meeting with Deputy Chief of Mission of China to Kenya, Zhang Zhizhong, alongside representatives from the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), Professor Kisiang’ani advocated for the need for the media to evolve beyond basic reporting, proposing stories that would foster economic and social transformation in both nations.
Professor Kisiang’ani highlighted the mutual benefits of sharing cultural diversity and access to modern media technologies, including Artificial Intelligence. He stressed the necessity for a robust platform for the exchange of ideas through media collaboration, which would enhance the dissemination of information via radio and the internet. Additionally, he noted the significant Chinese investments in Kenya, particularly regarding media infrastructure development and capacity building.
He remarked on the urgent need to upgrade facilities at the national broadcaster to ensure quality news production, stating, “If you have an inferior technological setup, news will not be of good quality.” The Principal Secretary pointed out the challenges posed by outdated equipment, such as cameras and AI applications, emphasizing the need for partnerships to acquire proper technology to maintain high standards of news authenticity and verification.
Acknowledging the evolution in information dissemination, Professor Kisiang’ani discussed the necessity for capacity-building initiatives aimed at transitioning from traditional methods to digital platforms. This partnership is envisioned to focus on training, resources, and technological tools essential for modern journalism.
Counsellor Zhang Zhizhong reiterated the importance of media cooperation between the two nations, viewing it as a vital avenue for cultural exchange and understanding. He noted Kenya’s rising economic status in Africa and expressed optimism for future collaborations, emphasizing the need for media sectors to forge direct links.
KBC CEO Agnes Kalekye outlined existing proposals for technology transfer with Xinhua and China Media Group. She highlighted the ongoing training efforts on Artificial Intelligence provided by Xinhua and the collaborative aspirations to update KBC’s broadcasting equipment to meet 5G standards, stating the partnership presents a valuable opportunity for equitable advancement into the digital landscape.
In conclusion, the strengthened media partnership between Kenya and China holds significant potential for mutual economic empowerment and cultural exchange. Through strategic cooperation in technology and capacity building, both countries aim to advance their media sectors, fostering better understanding and collaboration. As both nations invest in upgrading infrastructure and training resources, this initiative is poised to bring forth a new era of media development crucial for transforming societal narratives.
Original Source: www.kenyanews.go.ke
