Kenya and China’s governments are enhancing their media sector partnership aimed at economic empowerment and knowledge sharing. The focus is to modernize media infrastructure and improve training, utilizing advancements such as AI. This collaboration is vital for promoting cultural understanding and effective journalism between the two nations.
Kenya and China have embarked on discussions aimed at enhancing their partnership in media development. The Principal Secretary for the State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications, Prof. Edward Kisiang’ani, emphasized that this collaboration prioritizes economic empowerment alongside information and knowledge sharing. This initiative represents a step towards integrating the media sector into Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation (BETA) agenda, which encompasses crucial areas such as agricultural transformation, the MSME economy, housing, healthcare, and the digital economy.
During a meeting with Chinese Deputy Chief Mission to Kenya, Zhang Zhizhong, Prof. Kisiang’ani advocated for a shift in media focus. He urged that media should move beyond basic reporting to narratives that contribute to the socio-economic transformation of both nations. He remarked, “China and Kenya both have a lot to share, be it on matters of cultural diversity in their respective countries but also in terms of access to modern technologies in the media industry, such as Artificial Intelligence.”
The collaborative platform proposed will facilitate the exchange of ideas through various media channels, including radio and online platforms. Prof. Kisiang’ani highlighted China’s substantial investments in Kenya and how these could aid training, capacity development, and infrastructure enhancements within the media sector. He noted the necessity for upgrading facilities, particularly at the national broadcaster, KBC, stating, “If you have an inferior technological setup, news will not be of good quality.”
The Principal Secretary also identified challenges related to media equipment, indicating the need for improvements in camera technology and AI applications to enhance content quality and expedite information verification. He expressed the importance of adapting to modern digital demands, particularly in training and acquiring contemporary tools necessary for effective media reporting.
Zhang Zhizhong, the Minister Counsellor, acknowledged the significance of media collaboration in fostering mutual understanding between the Kenyan and Chinese peoples. He said, “Kenya is one of the emerging economic powers in Africa. That means we have a huge potential for future collaborations.”
Zhong also emphasized opportunities for joint reports on shared global issues like climate change and cultural diplomacy between KBC and Xinhua journalists. KBC CEO Agnes Kalekye reported ongoing proposals with Xinhua regarding technology transfer, with training already underway in AI. She concluded with a perspective on modernization, remarking, “This is the time to leapfrog into the digital age and that China is an opportunity to prove that partnerships can be equitable.”
National diplomatic relations were first established between Kenya and China in 1963, with a temporary hiatus in 1967 but were ultimately resumed in 1978.
In summary, the collaboration between Kenya and China in media development signifies a strategic partnership aimed at improving economic empowerment and media capabilities in both nations. As they seek to integrate technological advancements and capacity training, this initiative promises to foster closer cultural ties and enhance information sharing. The dialogue underscored the importance of modernizing media infrastructure to better serve the evolving demands of the digital age. Overall, this partnership holds the potential for significant mutual benefits, propelling both countries toward greater collaboration.
Original Source: www.kenyanews.go.ke
