NAIROBI, Kenya Feb 10 – The Chinese community in Kenya ushered in the New Year of 2024 with grandeur and vibrancy, celebrating amidst esteemed dignitaries in Nairobi.
The Chinese New Year Gala, held at Two Rivers Mall, was attended by distinguished guests including Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Dr. Zhou Pingjian and Director-General Zainab Hawa Bangura of the United Nations Office at Nairobi.
Marking the commencement of the ‘Year of the Dragon,’ attendees immersed themselves in a spectacle of colour and festivity.
Organized by the Kenya Overseas Chinese Association and co-hosted by the Kenya Chinese Women Association, the gala unfolded on the inaugural day of the lunar calendar’s Dragon year.
Gao Wei, a Councilor of the Kenya Overseas Chinese Association, emphasized the global significance of the Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, highlighting its recent recognition by the United Nations. “The Lunar New Year has been accorded the status of a UN floating holiday,” Wei announced, referencing a resolution unanimously adopted by the 78th United Nations General Assembly on December 22, 2023.
In a historic gesture, the United Nations Office at Nairobi hosted its inaugural Lunar New Year reception on January 31, 2024, fostering an atmosphere of joy and harmony among attendees. Wei underscored the festival’s widespread observance, with 20 countries designating it as a public holiday, affirming its status as a cherished tradition celebrated by one-fifth of the world’s population.
The Gala, open to all, showcased a myriad of Chinese cultural exhibits, lively performances, delectable cuisine, and engaging interactive activities. With participation from 53 organizations and nearly 150 performers, the event epitomized the rich tapestry of Chinese heritage.
Ambassador Zhou and Director-General Zainab Hawa Bangura graced the occasion, underscoring the significance of Sino-Kenyan relations. Henry Rotich, Chairman of the Kenya China Alumni Association, lauded the bilateral ties, highlighting opportunities for mutual growth and collaboration, including scholarships for Kenyan students to study in China.
Encouraging cultural exchange, Rotich urged Kenyans to embrace their heritage while fostering an appreciation for diverse cultures, echoing sentiments expressed by attendees like Joyce Muoti. As a businesswoman importing leather goods from China, Muoti praised the Gala for offering insights into Chinese culture and fostering cross-cultural understanding through exhibitions, culinary delights, and musical performances.
