Minister Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Kenya, Mr Zhang Zhizhong; Secretary General of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, Mr Hao Zhongwei; DBSA teachers and Afristar’s Winrose Wachira join the excitement as they usher in the senior boys’ football tournament, celebrating friendship, sport and the enduring bonds between Kenya and China. /HANDOUTMathare’s Area 4 Sports Grounds came alive with talent, sport and cultural expression as the Dream Building Service Association (DBSA) Carnival 2026 brought together children, volunteers and community members for a day of celebration, creativity and connection.
From August 5 to 8, 2026, children from DBSA-supported schools across Mathare participated in a series of activities showcasing their sporting abilities, creativity, and cultural expression, attracting a large and enthusiastic crowd from the surrounding community.
The event featured a rich variety of activities, including football, modelling, singing, dancing, choir, poetry, and rap performances, giving students from DBSA-supported schools across Mathare a public platform to showcase hidden talents beyond the classroom.
Afristar Blue Vest volunteer Joy Giteru assists a DBSA official in
distributing library books to schools in Mathare, placing the power of
knowledge and the promise of a brighter future into the hands of young learners. /HANDOUTThe competitive highlight of the gathering was the “2026 DBSA Football World Cup Final,” where Hanka Academy secured victory over Valleyview Academy in a spirited match.
In the lead-up to the event, Afristar Blue Vest Volunteers joined DBSA volunteers from Kenya and China to assist students with rehearsals and distribute books to local schools, underscoring a shared commitment to education and youth empowerment.
"This event is of great importance to the children of Mathare," stated Loice Abanga, DBSA Coordinator. "It not only brings out their skills and talents, but also demonstrates how valuable and capable our children are. It is also a reflection of the strong friendship and collaboration between the people of China and Kenya, showing how people from both countries can come together to make a positive impact on society while safeguarding the future of the younger generation."
Afristar Blue Vest volunteers Linda Oriedo and Winnie Sitati share a joyful moment with modelling contestants at the DBSA Talent Show in Mathare, where confidence, creativity and dreams took centre stage./HANDOUTWinrose Wachira who represented China Communications Construction Company, China Road and Bridge Corporation, and Africa Star Railway Operation Company, presented awards across various performance and sports categories to recognise the participants' creativity and dedication.
Beyond large-scale infrastructure contributions like the Standard Gauge Railway (Madaraka Express), the carnival highlighted how cross-cultural partnerships extend into local community development.
"The partnership between China and Africa has become a powerful force for economic and social transformation, with Kenya being a strong example of its impact," noted Afristar staff member and Blue Vest volunteer Nelson Asienwa.
"At the heart of this partnership are people, and Afristar staff in blue vests play a significant role in bringing this cooperation to life every day through volunteer initiatives."
Asienwa noted that through community initiatives, young people in areas such as Mathare have benefited from education support, school feeding programmes, learning materials and opportunities to discover and nurture their talents.
He added that cultural exchange between China and Africa has brought people from different backgrounds closer, creating opportunities to share traditions, experiences and perspectives.
For four days, Mathare did more than host a carnival. It gave its children a stage, celebrated their potential and offered a glimpse of the future they can help shape. It was a reminder that building a stronger future goes beyond concrete, steel and infrastructure; it also means giving a child a chance to learn, a stage to perform, a field to play on and a community willing to cheer them on.
