Tourism Cabinet Secretary (CS) Peninah Malonza has today launched the Swahili Edition of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China (Volume 1 book) at the University of Nairobi.
Malonza extended her congratulations to the visionary leadership of China and the esteemed President of China (Xi Jinping) for the masterpiece.
She further stated that this marks a significant stride in fostering mutual understanding between Africa and China.
The book was first published in September 2014. It has 49 articles and 18 chapters. The book has been distributed in 37 languages, including Chinese, English, Kiswahili, Spanish, French, and 180 other countries.
The book seeks to create an understanding of the historical path of China and its unique culture. The Governance of China book is an encyclopaedia to understand China in the modern era, explaining the philosophy and strategies of China. China contributes 30% of global growth and 70% of global poverty reduction.
“China, under the guidance of its president, has gifted us a portal into corridors of power and wisdom. The bond between Kenya and China has flourished over time. Kiswahili, a language nurtured in Kenyan soil, has traversed continents, improving connections and unifying diverse voices,” said Malonza.
She said Swahili has been embraced by over 2 million speakers across Africa. She noted that its recognition by UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation) is a clear testimony of its importance.
UNESCO has since designated an International World Kiswahili Day to be celebrated on the 7th of July every year.
“Today’s occasion is more than a launch; it’s a symposium of diplomacy,” Malonza said.
Malonza stated that the nurturing of Kiswahili in China symbolises not only linguistic appreciation but also a diplomatic dance that can fortify relations.
She further explained that teaching Kiswahili in academic institutions trains a path to cultural understanding and a road that leads to tourism, trade, and the bridging of East Africa and China.
Malonza said that the establishment of a cultural centre in Nairobi, wholeheartedly endorsed by her ministry, further envisions a crossroads where cultures mingle, where knowledge exchanges hands, and where friendships blossom.
The Chinese Ambassador to Kenya, Zhou Pingjian, noted that Kiswahili is among the 10 most widely spoken languages in the world, with more than 200 million speakers, according to UNESCO.
“The power of language can never be overemphasised.” The four volumes on the governance of China have opened a window for the international community to better understand China. The leadership of Kenya will see things clearer and see more through that window. As we observe six years of diplomatic relations this year, the launch of the governance of China comes at a perfect time and has a special significance for it will give our Kenyan friends a better understanding of the Chinese governance philosophy and its domestic and foreign policies,” said the ambassador.
He said the partnership will deepen mutual understanding and share experience on governance since it goes a long way in promoting China-Kenya friendship and cooperation.
Kenneth Jumba, a publisher and editor, stated that the author, Jinping, is leading from the front in almost all chapters of the book.
He said that the ideology driving the narrative is that development must be anchored on the beliefs of the people, culture, party ideology, and manifesto.
“The main theme of the book is China, propelled by her rich history, culture, philosophical leadership, and revolutionary thinkers is only but seeking to assert her position as an equal partner in the emerging socio-economic and political spheres in the world,” Jumba said.
By Stephannie Ndunge
