Inner Mongolian troupe charms Nairobi in showcase of Kenya-China cultural ties

A vibrant celebration of cultural harmony unfolded at the Kenya's National Theatre in Nairobi on Thursday as a performance troupe from China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region enthralled audiences with traditional dances, music, and artistic displays.

As part of the 2025 China-Kenya Culture and Tourism Season, the event, organized by the Kenya's Ministry of Tourism and Culture in partnership with the Chinese embassy in Kenya, drew diplomats, officials, and local art enthusiasts for an evening for Sino-African cultural exchanges.

"This is more than just entertainment — it is a celebration of the cultural bonds that unite our two peoples," said Shaquille Shabir, chairman of the Kenya-China parliamentary friendship group.

The performers showcased traditional Mongolian dances and music, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Inner Mongolia in China with the Mongolian throat singing group meeting the Kenyan traditional dance in a stunning performance. Inner Mongolia's herdsman's ballad and Kenya's bomas harambee created vibrant routines, uniting two cultures through rhythm and movement taking the audience on a musical journey celebrating nature, love and happiness.

Michael Pundo, CEO of the Kenya Cultural Centre, emphasized the wider impact of such exchanges and inculcating more understanding of the two countries.

He noted that the performances are part of the ongoing Kenya-China cultural season, which includes reciprocal visits between Chinese and Kenyan cultural groups. "Events like this help cement friendship between our countries and deepen understanding," said Pundo.

"They also open doors for cultural tourism, trade, and capacity-building for our artists. The future of Kenya-China cultural tourism is very bright," Pundo said. "Such partnerships allow our cultural practitioners to learn, benchmark, and grow."

Ezekiel Gikambi, Kenya's director of public communication at the tourism ministry, said the ministry is working to position Kenya as a global tourism hub, with China playing a key role in that vision.