William Kabogo Gitau, cabinet secretary of the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, Kenya, speaks at the China-Kenya Readers Forum on Xi Jinping: The Governance of China in Nairobi, Kenya, on 1 December 

The newly released volume of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China offers insight into how China views its journey of modernisation, reform and global engagement. It places people firmly at the centre of governance, captured clearly in the statement that “the people's wish for a happy life is our mission.” This is a principle that resonates deeply with our own aspirations as Kenyans. Under the bottom-up economic transformation agenda, we are committed to expanding opportunity, strengthening public service, and improving the welfare of every Kenyan household. 

China's journey reminds us that meaningful progress requires constant reform and adaptation. President Xi reminds us that “reform and opening up is always an ongoing task and will never end.” Kenya shares this understanding. We are modernising institutions, digitising government services, expanding connectivity, rebuilding our digital superhighway, and preparing our youth for the opportunity of the digital economy. As the book observes, without promoting IT application, we cannot realise modernisation. We see this every day as technology becomes central to service delivery, economic growth and national competitiveness. 

Our partnership with China continues to grow across many sectors. The recent state visit by President William Ruto to China shared commitment and set out new areas of cooperation that are now being actively implemented. But beyond infrastructure, digital development and trade, we also recognise the importance of deepening cultural and intellectual ties. It is in this regard that Kenya is keen to expand exchanges between scholars, writers, journalists, and the creative industries. We welcome opportunities for joint translation and publishing, academic and youth fellowships, media placements between Kenyan and Chinese newsrooms, and collaboration in digital storytelling and cultural research. These exchanges build mutual understanding and allow young people to appreciate the richness of each other's cultures. 

We also see cultural tourism as an emerging front in our cooperation. Kenya's heritage - our music, food, crafts and diverse traditions - offers us tremendous potential for cultural engagement with Chinese audiences. We would be pleased to work with our partners to promote cultural itineraries, festivals, film tourism and heritage exhibitions. 

In this connection, we should explore the idea of a Kenya Village, with our cultures showcased in major cities in China. This would be a space where visitors can experience Kenya's cuisine, crafts, music and stories, while learning about tourism destinations and creative industries. Beginning as a pop-up cultural week and later evolving into a permanent centre, it will deepen people-to-people ties and promote tourism in both directions. 

The purpose of reading, reflecting and interacting is not to imitate another country's journey, but to understand it. Every nation's path is shaped by its history, institutions and people. By studying different experiences, we enrich our own thinking and open the door to more meaningful cooperation. As we reflect on the ideas contained in Xi Jinping: The Governance of China, let us engage with curiosity and respect. Let us draw insights that speak to Kenya's context while recognising the value of continued dialogue between our peoples. 

Knowledge is the engine of progress, and that engine is driven by reading - reading is the fuel. That's what I take away from here. What do you take away? What do you expect? 

*This article is an edited version of a speech delivered by William Kabogo Gitau, cabinet secretary of the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, Kenya, at the China-Kenya Readers Forum on Xi Jinping: The Governance of China held in Nairobi, Kenya, on 1 December.