Kenya sets sights on 1m Chinese tourists

Kenyan authorities have launched a passionate appeal for more Chinese tourists to visit the country, saying there was a huge potential for the numbers to grow beyond the current figures.

Tourism PS John Ololtuaa said the travelers from China should be higher based on the current population of Chinese nationals in the country.

Speaking on behalf of Tourism CS Rebecca Miano, he disclosed that the number of Chinese tourists visiting Kenya jumped to 105,000 in 2025, up from the over 90,000 that were registered the previous year.

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“Before Covid-19 the numbers stood at 84,000. With China’s huge population, even if we can get just one million Chinese visitors to Kenya, it will be very exciting,” the PS said.

He spoke in Nairobi Sunday during celebrations to mark the Chinese Lunar New Year—the year of the Horse, hosted by the Chinese embassy led by Ambassador Guo Haiyan.

The event was attended by members of the Chinese community, embassy officials, Kenyan nationals, and dignitaries including Children Service PS Caren Agengo and UNON Director General Hawa Bangura. Amb Guo, for her part, used her address at the third Nairobi Chinese New Year gala to celebrate deep cultural ties.

She also outlined a vision for future cooperation between China and Kenya, terming it as a relationship in a shared historical foundation.

"Throughout history, Chinese and African civilizations have been inspiring each other, laying a solid foundation for our enduring friendship," she stated.

She went on, "Today’s Chinese New Year Gala is a vivid example of our profound communication and exchanges."

Amb Guo pledged China’s commitment to building on the tradition.

“We will take this year to carry forward the traditional friendship, strengthen mutual learning, enhance personal exchanges, particularly among young people, and deepen our sharing of governance experience,” the envoy said.

She thanked the local Chinese community for its role as a bridge between the two nations, hailing the cultural exchanges as a hallmark of the deepening ties between the two sides.

"Let’s continue to uphold the fine traditions of patriotism, unity and mutual support, jointly promote the excellent traditional Chinese culture, and further enhance mutual understanding and friendship between China and Kenya."

Ambassador Guo also placed the bilateral relationship within a broader, global context of South-South cooperation.

"It is my sincere belief that through the joint endeavor of our more than 2.8 billion Chinese and African people, we will contribute more to greater Global South solidarity in addressing global challenges," she said.

The ambassador said the effort was aligned with China’s bid to promote "universal human values and building a community with a shared future for humanity." She highlighted a key milestone for 2026, noting that "The year 2026 has been designated as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges," and affirmed that "Cultural dialogue and mutual learning have always been vital forces for human progress and peace."

The event was marked by vibrant cultural performances and traditional festivities, reinforcing the message that people-to-people bonds are the cornerstone of the strategic partnership between China and Kenya.

The Kenyan side warmly reciprocated the message of partnership. Principal Secretary for Gender and Affirmative Action, Ms. Umi Bashir, represented by Ms Caren Agengo, stated, "Today's celebration is not just a festive occasion but a meaningful testament to the enduring partnership between Kenya and China under FOCAC (Forum on China-Africa Cooperation)."

She hailed concrete collaborations, noting, "Kenya and China have implemented high-profile cultural programs from film and media collaboration to acrobatics exchanges."

The PS revealed that "Kenya sent 22 cultural experts to China for exchange on intangible cultural heritage... They are informing the revitalization of cultural elements such as the gala we are holding today."

She emphasised that "Cultural cooperation succeeds best when reciprocal," and expressed pleasure that the relationship involves young people as custodians of heritage. Ololtuaa highlighted the people-to-people links, stating he was "excited about the relationship that Kenya has with PRC in terms of tourism and cultural cooperation."

He said the exchanges have seen more than 60,000 Chinese nationals opt to live and invest in Kenya, therefore contributing immensely to the country's growth.

The officials conveyed "greetings from President William Ruto" and thanked China for "granting them the honour to experience the heartbeat of the year of the horse”.