The inaugural China–Kenya Friendship Games concluded successfully on Thursday at Nyayo National Stadium, bringing together more than 700 participants in a vibrant celebration of bilateral friendship, cultural exchange, and the unifying power of sport.
Supported by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Kenya and organized by the Kenya–China Economic and Trade Association (KCETA), the event drew 19 teams made up of employees from Chinese enterprises operating in Kenya and their Kenyan colleagues. Participants engaged in a full day of competitions that underscored teamwork, camaraderie, and the long-standing ties between the two nations.
The Games featured two key segments: athletics and fun games.
In the athletics category, 371 competitors took part in eight track and field events, including the 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 4×100m relay, 4×400m relay, and long jump. Kenyan and Chinese athletes competed side by side, demonstrating remarkable skill, endurance, and sportsmanship.
Another 340 participants joined the fun games, which included the three-legged race, tug-of-war, and sack race—activities that sparked excitement and added a festive spirit across the stadium.
Chinese Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Guo Haiyan, officiated the opening ceremony, praising the event as a powerful symbol of people-centered cooperation. She emphasized that sports serve as a bridge that transcends language and cultural barriers, calling the Friendship Games a vital part of the 2025 China–Kenya Culture and Tourism Season.
“The China–Kenya relations are now at their best time since the establishment of diplomatic ties,” she said, expressing confidence that Chinese enterprises would continue contributing to deepening bilateral cooperation.
Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi of the State Department for Sports also attended the event, commending the initiative for strengthening everyday interactions between Kenyan and Chinese communities.
He highlighted the potential for enhanced collaboration in sports science, coaching technologies, and high-altitude training—areas where both countries have unique strengths.
KCETA Chairman Yu Xiaodong reaffirmed the Association’s plan to evolve the Games into an annual flagship event, noting its role in fostering positive corporate culture and enhancing communication among employees.
KCETA represents 103 Chinese companies in Kenya, which have collectively hired more than 60,000 local employees in recent years.
The inaugural Friendship Games not only showcased athletic talent but also reinforced the shared commitment of Kenya and China to grow cultural, social, and economic ties through sport.
