On August 14th the University of Nairobi hosted the launch Ceremony of the Swahili edition of Xi Jinping: the governance of China (volume 1) and the China –Kenya seminar on governance at Manu Chandaria Hall. The ceremony was graced by Peninah Malonza as the chief guest, the Cabinet Secretary for Tourism who officiated over the ceremony, as well as the China ambassador to Kenya, His Excellency, Zhou Pingjian, Permanent Secretary for Youth Affairs, Principal Secretary, Mr Ismail Maalim, Permanent Secretary, Culture and Heritage Ms. Ummi Bashir, Member of Parliament Eastleigh Yusuf Hassan, Acting Vice Chancellor, Univesity of Nairobi Prof Julius Ogeng’o among other guests.
The book was first established in 2014 and later revised in 2018. It contains 48 articles, and 18 chapters, and mainly emphasizes the socialist aspect of the People’s Republic of China. The Foreign Language Press and the Kenya Literature Bureau signed a Memorandum of Understanding in 2018 to have it published in Swahili for easier understanding in Swahili speaking countries in Africa. His Excellency the President Xi Jinping being the writer of the book, gives us a clear depiction of the history and culture of China. This is notably the most influential book written by a state leader.
Hon Hu Heping, minister of Culture, People’s Republic of China explained what CBC is for, illustrating Chinese People's knowledge to build a better world. A well Swahili versed Chinese Ambassador to Kenya, His Excellency Zhou Pingjian highlighted the essence of the book that has opened a window for the International Community to understand the Chinese Culture through enhanced friendships and cooperation. He further stated that the book gives a better understanding of China’s philosophy and Domestic policies.
The chief guest, Peninah Malonza, Cabinet Secretary for Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage noted that with the New Regional Strategy on improving Global Governance, the Swahili edition upholds the aspect of putting people first and new opportunities to improve cooperation through collaborations with Kenya. ‘The book is a portal into corridors of governance and leadership in China which nurtures our shared humanity which transcends geographical boundaries.’’ said Peninah Malonza. She then declared the Kiswahili version of the book: the governance of China by His Excellency Xi Jinping officially launched at exactly 11:18 am.
The University of Nairobi has close ties with China which manifests through the Confucius Institute which promotes the learning of Chinese language and culture to the university community. Prof. Wang, the director at Confucius Institute noted that there are various activities lined up for students for them to have a raw feel of the culture of China.
With a word of encouragement, “The more that you read the more that you know, the more that you learn, the more places that you go.’’ Mr Victor Lomaria, the managing director and secretary to the board of Kenya Literature Bureau finalized with a prayer to end the ceremony.
