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ONYANGO: China’s Spring Festival: Here are the lessons and opportunities for Kenya

Many countries use their cultural heritage to strengthen their economies.

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by ONYANGO K'ONYANGO

Star-blogs26 January 2025 - 14:32
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In Summary


  • The inaugural Utamaduni Day, celebrated at Bomas, was not only a celebration of national culture but also aimed at promoting patriotism.
  • Kenya’s rich cultural diversity could have played a significant role in fostering national unity, cohesion and economic progress.

Huang Xia (second left) and other officials during the Spring Festival gala celebrations at the United Nations offices in Nairobi Wednesday /LEAH MUKANGAI

Recently, Kenya renamed Utamaduni Day to Mazingira Day, a decision I believe the government got wrong. Instead of renaming it, we should have kept the original day and designated another day for mazingira (environment) to focus on combating global warming.

The inaugural Utamaduni Day, celebrated at Bomas, was not only a celebration of national culture but also aimed at promoting patriotism.

Kenya’s rich cultural diversity could have played a significant role in fostering national unity, cohesion and economic progress.

Many countries use their cultural heritage to strengthen their economies, and Kenya should do the same. As my boss, commissioner Johnson Muthama, often says, “mkosa mila ni mtumwa” (He who abandons his culture is a slave).

It’s crucial that we as a nation embrace our diverse cultures and use them as economic drivers. For example, China has effectively used its cultural heritage to boost tourism and the traditional Spring Festival is a prime example.

The festival, which starts next week, is a celebration observed by several Chinese within and without China, beginning on New Year’s Eve of the lunar New Year and lasting for 15 days.

The festival is not only a time for family gatherings and festivities but also for massive travel. During the festival, millions of Chinese travels back to their hometowns, making it one of the world’s largest annual migrations.

The Lantern Festival, held on the 15th day, marks the end of the celebrations.

This tradition, which involves family reunions, fireworks and festive meals, has a deep cultural significance.

On Sunday, the Chinese community in Kenya, led by Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan, thronged Two Rivers to mark their Spring Festival, which this year is referred to as the Year of the “Snake.”

The celebrations took place before they officially break for their holiday next Thursday. The event featured a lot of artistic work as the Chinese showcased their culture, making them feel at home, away from home.

In the Chinese zodiac, the snake is associated with wisdom, charm, elegance and transformation.

People born in the Year of the Snake are believed to be intuitive, strategic and intelligent. The festival also has economic implications.

It is the driving force behind billions of domestic passenger trips in China, contributing immensely to the country’s economy.

In fact, the Chinese government recognises the economic importance of the festival and has increased the number of visa-exempt countries, making it easier for foreign tourists to visit China.

According to recent figures, the number of foreign nationals entering China during the festival has increased by nearly 34 per cent from the previous year.

In addition, travel platforms predict that the number of travel orders from foreign tourists to China will rise by 203 per cent this year.

China’s ability to blend culture, tourism and transportation has allowed traditional festivals like the Spring Festival to take on new forms.

The celebration has evolved over time, and today, it is not only a cultural event for the Chinese but also a global one.

This fusion of culture and commerce shows how powerful cultural tourism can be for economic growth. Kenya, like China, has vast cultural wealth.

With 42 different tribes, each with its own traditions, music, art and practices, we have an incredible opportunity to leverage our cultural diversity for economic growth.

Cultural tourism could be a key driver of this. While wildlife tourism is a major draw for visitors, it shouldn’t be the only aspect of Kenya marketed globally.

Cultural tourism, which highlights our unique traditions, could serve as an additional revenue stream.

As global awareness of climate change grows, countries are focusing on sustainable ways to market themselves. Kenya should consider promoting both our wildlife and cultural heritage to attract tourists.

Countries like China have recognised the economic potential of their cultural practices, and Kenya can do the same.

By preserving and promoting our diverse cultures, we can create sustainable economic opportunities that benefit communities across the country.

China’s Spring Festival has been so successful that it was included on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by Unesco. This recognition has increased the festival’s global appeal and boosted tourism.

Kenya can follow a similar path, ensuring that our own cultural festivals receive global recognition and support. This would not only enhance our global reputation but also encourage tourism which is a major contributor to our economy.

In Kenya, many communities, such as the Maasai and Pokomo, already practice and promote their cultures, but they could benefit from more support to turn cultural expressions into sustainable income-generating ventures.

For example, traditional dancers like the Kochia dancers in my village only perform during national holidays and earn minimal compensation.

If the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife supported these communities year-round, they could turn their cultural performances into profitable businesses.

With the right empowerment and resources, these communities could benefit from their cultural heritage in a meaningful way.

The success of the Chinese Spring Festival is due to its cultural richness and the widespread participation of the people.

Kenya’s own cultural practices can follow a similar trajectory, where traditions are passed down through generations while also evolving to stay relevant.

By leveraging our cultural assets, we can improve the lives of our people, attract global attention and build a more sustainable future.

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