The government has introduced a Swahili book in collaboration with China, focusing on governance within the East Asian nation. Named ‘Utawala wa China’ (Governance of China), this book aims to provide insight into the governance approach of China’s President Xi Jinping for Kenyan readers.
Peninah Malonza, the Cabinet Secretary for Tourism, emphasized that the book launch serves to enhance knowledge exchange and cultural interaction between China and Kenya. She stated that the growing bond between the two countries will continue to strengthen, as culture plays a pivotal role in guiding nations toward their destinies and shaping developmental narratives.
Malonza further highlighted that the book’s release represents a significant step in nurturing mutual understanding between Africa and China. She explained that the book’s contents will shed light on governance systems, philosophical perspectives, and diplomatic intricacies that will influence global dynamics.
Additionally, Malonza pointed out that China’s incorporation of the Kiswahili language in its academic institutions reflects a substantial impact and a demonstration of linguistic appreciation. This effort, she noted, contributes to fostering cultural comprehension, ultimately boosting tourism and trade between East Africa and China.
Zhou Pingjian, the Chinese Ambassador to Kenya, expressed his belief that the book will strengthen the bilateral relationship between the two nations. He highlighted Kiswahili’s widespread use, with more than 200 million speakers making it one of the world’s ten most spoken languages. Zhou emphasized the growing influence of Kiswahili in China, underscoring its significance in fostering diplomatic relations and governance cooperation between the two countries.
Zhou also noted that the popularity of Kiswahili has led to its recognition by the United Nations, which designates July 7th as World Kiswahili Language Day. He referenced how even the Hong Kong-based rock band composed a hit song inspired by their visit to Kenya, showcasing the enduring impact of cultural exchange.
Paul Kibet, the Director of Secondary Education, highlighted the uniqueness of the ‘Utawala wa China’ book, as it is the first-ever book of its kind to be launched in Africa. He revealed that the journey toward its publication began in 2017, with Kenya Literature Bureau (KLB) serving as the exclusive co-publisher of the book across the entire African continent.