Historic Exhibition Bridges Centuries of Sino-Kenyan Exchange
A vibrant photo exhibition opened today at the National Museum of Kenya, commemorating the 620th anniversary of Ming Dynasty explorer Zheng He’s maritime voyages and 62 years of diplomatic relations between the Chinese mainland and Kenya. The event, themed "A New Chapter of the Silk Road, a Shared Future for a Common Destiny," showcased rare archival images of Zheng He’s 15th-century expeditions to East Africa alongside contemporary visuals of bilateral cooperation.
Traditional Chinese lion dances and Kenyan choral performances underscored the cultural synergy, while historical records displayed at the exhibition revealed Zheng He’s fleet landing in Malindi in 1418 – a connection that laid groundwork for modern infrastructure projects like the Mombasa-Nairobi Railway. Curators emphasized how the display links ancient trade routes to today’s Belt and Road initiatives, with 2025 seeing a 34% year-on-year increase in Chinese agricultural investments in Kenya.
Cultural Diplomacy in the Digital Age
The exhibition’s virtual reality section allows visitors to "sail" Zheng He’s treasure ships using 3D-reconstructed navigation maps, particularly popular among student groups. Museum director Dr. Wanjiku Mwangi noted: "This isn’t just about history – it’s a roadmap for our tech partnership. Kenya’s new geothermal plants developed with Chinese engineers echo the spirit of those ancient voyages."
