Kenya and China on Thursday underscored their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties in sports, culture, trade, and development with the launch of the inaugural Kenya–China Friendship Games.
The event, at the Nyayo International Stadium, was attended by senior government officials, diplomats, and corporate leaders.
Organized by the Kenya-China Economic and Trade Association (KCETA) with support from the Chinese Embassy in Kenya, the Games brought together over 700 Kenyan and Chinese participants from 19 Chinese enterprises operating in Kenya. The Games are part of the 2025 China-Kenya Culture and Tourism Season and aim to promote people-to-people exchanges while celebrating the long-standing cooperation between the two nations.
Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan, who officiated the opening ceremony, commended KCETA for spearheading the initiative, stating that the Games exemplified the spirit of friendship that underpins China-Kenya relations.
“Sports is a bridge that transcends languages and borders, as well as a bond of friendship and hearts. The Kenya-China Friendship Games is not only an important event of the 2025 China-Kenya culture and tourism season, but also a vivid example of active cultural exchanges between our two countries. The athletes participating in this event come from Chinese enterprises in Kenya,” she said.
Ambassador Guo underscored the increasing contributions of Chinese enterprises to Kenya’s economic transformation, noting that between 2022 and 2023, Chinese firms employed over 60,000 Kenyans, representing about 90% of their total workforce.
She highlighted that Chinese companies, in collaboration with Kenyan partners, have established factories, transport corridors, and major projects that continue to drive economic growth. The Ambassador further affirmed that the relationship between the two countries is currently at its strongest since the establishment of diplomatic ties.
“The two sides are now deepening cooperation across the world in accordance with the consensus reached by the two heads of state to build the China-Kenya community with a shared future for the new era,” she stated.
Ambassador Guo expressed her hope that Chinese enterprises will continue to contribute to the development of China-Kenya relations and the strengthening of friendship between the two nations.
“There will always be winners and losers in competitive games, but friendship knows no boundaries. I hope that all athletes uphold the spirit of friendship first, competition second, showcase their spirit and passion on the field, gain friendship and trust, and write a new chapter of China-Kenya friendship,” she added.
KCETA Chairman Yu Xiaodong remarked that the Games reflect the shared values and unity between Chinese companies and their Kenyan counterparts. He noted that Chinese enterprises have long played a central role in Kenya’s socio-economic development, highlighting numerous livelihood projects as key achievements of bilateral cooperation.
He described sports as a universal language that transcends borders, cultures, and differences. Yu stated that sports give Kenya-China friendship a new form, one that is useful, dynamic, and vibrant.
“We believe that every high-five, every moment of teamwork, and every cheer on the track will translate into stronger unity and deeper partnerships in our daily work. I would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Kenya for its guidance and to the Kenyan government departments for their strong support,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to the Chinese Embassy, the Kenyan government, sponsors, and volunteers for their support of the event. He encouraged athletes to demonstrate teamwork, sportsmanship, and mutual respect, regardless of the results.
Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi, who officially opened the Games, lauded the initiative as an essential platform for enhancing bilateral cooperation beyond formal agreements.
“These Games are more than just a sporting competition; they are a celebration of people-to-people diplomacy. They remind us that the strength of any bilateral relationship lies in everyday interactions between colleagues, friends, and communities,” he said.
The PS noted that Kenya stands to gain immensely from China’s advancements in sports science, coaching technologies, data-driven athlete training, and injury-prevention systems. He welcomed Chinese teams to train in Kenya’s renowned high-altitude regions such as Iten, Nandi Hills, and Eldoret.
PS Mwangi also acknowledged China’s historic role in Kenya’s sports infrastructure, citing the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, and the ongoing construction of the 60,000-seat Tatanta Sports Complex, which he described as the largest sports infrastructure project in Kenya’s history.
“Sports development is a shared responsibility, and I encourage the corporate sector, including KCETA member enterprises, to continue supporting sports through sponsorship, training programmes, employee awareness initiatives, youth competitions, and facility development,” he said.
The organizers believe that the inaugural Games will mark yet another milestone in the deepening ties between Nairobi and Beijing.
