Kenyan artists could soon get new opportunities to showcase and market their work in China as Kenya moves to deepen cultural ties with the Asian country.
Gender, Culture, the Arts and Heritage Cabinet Secretary Hannah Cheptumo said the government was exploring opportunities for Kenyan artists to exhibit their work in China.
Cheptumo spoke after holding discussions with CMG Africa Group, led by Rehema Hu, on the upcoming “Arts Waves Co-Existence” event.
She said the initiative would use art and culture to strengthen ties between Kenya and China while creating opportunities for local creatives.
“The event presents an opportunity to use art as a universal language to promote cultural understanding, artistic dialogue and people-to-people connections,” Cheptumo said.
The proposed exhibitions could give Kenyan artists greater international exposure while opening access to new markets, professional networks and potential buyers.
Cheptumo said the initiative could also help empower artists and contribute to the growth of Kenya’s creative economy.
The discussions come at a time when Kenya and China are placing greater emphasis on cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
Kenya and China have previously expanded cooperation in culture, tourism, education, media and the arts, with Cheptumo describing the partnership as an important area of cooperation between the two countries.
The move also comes during the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, which was launched in January at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa.
The year is also being used to mark 70 years of China-Africa diplomatic relations, with a series of cultural and people-to-people activities planned across China and Africa.
For Kenyan creatives, the proposed exchange could provide a new route into the Chinese market while giving their work a wider international audience.
It also gives Kenya an opportunity to use its growing cultural ties with China to promote local talent and strengthen the creative economy.
