The Ministry of youth affairs, Art and Sports has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Chinese government on Arts & film development.

The MOU was signed by Youth affairs, Arts and Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba and the Chinese Minister for Culture and Tourism Hu Heping on Monday evening.

The signing of the MOU which was witnessed by Chinese ambassador to Kenya Zhou PingJian,  PS Ismail Maalim and Kenya's representative from the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, seeks to strengthen cinematic ties between the two nations as well as deepening the 60-year relationship between Kenya and China.

"We are delighted to sign this MOU between our nations, to develop the areas of arts and film and also to celebrate the corporation in film between China and Kenya. We believe the potential in Film and the arts is immense and that film is a major component of our flagship #TalantaHela program, which seeks to monetize talents and build sustainable livelihoods," said Namwamba.

"We consider Film as a powerful tool for exposing our culture and cultural corporation besides being a powerful tool for employment creation, " he added.

CS Ababu assured the Chinese delegation that Kenya was happy to continue exploring new areas of collaboration that can further strengthen the 60-year-old bond as well as improve Kenya-China bilateral engagements.

"I have had a good conversation with Ambassador on exploring areas of creative economy, and I am happy that he has been welcoming in exploring these areas of partnership. The government considers the creative economy as an important Frontier for driving the economy and providing opportunities for employment. This administration has prioritized the creative economy as a key driver of economic development and is currently implementing a new policy direction called Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) which is about providing opportunities for all segments of the population from the lowest level. The creative economy is considered a key ignition for this."

The CS added that through the MOU, his ministry envisaged organising exchange programs, Co-productions arrangements as well as exchange of technology and key skills between Kenya's and Chinese artists. 

"Through the film and creative industry, we can expand the people-to-people interaction as we celebrate 60 years of friendship and diplomatic relations. We consider you a valuable and cherishable partner in this relationship," added CS Ababu.

On his part, the Chinese Ambassador Zhou PingJian highlighted the historical significance of film production in China and how, if harnessed well in Kenya, had the potential to create employment opportunities for the youth.

"This collaboration between Kenya and China resonates with the spirit of unity, creativity, and shared prosperity as witnessed in our 60 years of good relations, " he said

"Through this partnership, we anticipate a dynamic exchange of artistic excellence and cultural insights that will not only enrich our film industries but also enhance the lives of our people, " he added.

The MoU will see the two nations collaborate in capacity-building programs, technological exchanges, and cultural enrichment, with a view to elevating Kenya's film and arts space towards positively impacting the country's cinematic creations.

Also present was the Kenya Film Commission CEO Dr. Timothy Owase, Kenya Film and Classification Board acting CEO Mr. Joel Wamalwa and Kenya Cultural Centre CEO Mr. Michael Pundo.

At the same time, the Kenya film commission (KFC) signed a letter of intent for collaboration with the China Film Administration b(CFA). A delegation from CFA also had the opportunity to have a roundtable meeeting with Kenyan film makers and discussed to explore ways of partnerships in production and distribution.

"We look forward to greater partnership and developement of Kenya and China" reads a statement from KFC.

The occasions also marks 60 years of diplomatic ties between Kenya and China.