The Chinese Embassy in Kenya is launching an initiative to offer select Kenyan online content creators an all-expenses-paid trip to China. 

The program, set for late September, is part of a cultural exchange to inspire creativity through visits to Beijing, Shanghai, and Chongqing.

Pulse Kenya reports that participants will explore China’s economy, culture, and history while engaging with local figures and landmarks. The embassy states the trip is designed to deepen understanding between Kenyan and Chinese communities.

To be considered, creators must follow the Chinese Embassy’s official social media account @ChineseEmbKenya and share the campaign post using the hashtag #TravelChina. The embassy will choose 3-4 creators for the opportunity.

The Chinese embassy frames the trip as an educational journey. Still, it also serves as a platform for creators to reach new audiences and explore business opportunities in the Chinese market.

According to Pulse Kenya, the application process is ongoing, and no specified deadline has been announced.

The TikTok Controversy in Kenya

TikTok, owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, faced scrutiny in Kenya for similar reasons why it’s fighting a potential U.S. ban.

Kenyan authorities threatened to ban the platform in 2023, a move the government said aimed to prevent the leakage of sensitive data and enhance citizen security. 

However, Kenya’s Information Ministry subsequently opposed any suggestions of a TikTok ban and argued that ByteDance’s platform should be more regulated.

As of Q3 2024, TikTok is Kenya’s second-most used social media platform, with an estimated 10.6 million users aged 18 and above.

Voice of America cites a recent report by Kenya’s National Bureau of Statistics that shows a significant drop in direct investment from China. Beijing’s investments in the African country fell by over a third over the last three years.