Kenya and Iran expand media and cultural cooperation

Kenya and Iran are set to enhance media and cultural cooperation following discussions between the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) and the Iranian Embassy in Nairobi. The meeting explored avenues for professional partnerships and cultural exchanges.

Media and Cultural Cooperation Discussions

MCK Chief Executive Officer David Omwoyo met with Iranian Ambassador to Kenya Dr Ali Gholampour to discuss ways to strengthen professional partnerships and cultural exchanges. Iran is currently a leading importer of Kenyan tea and the principal exporter of bitumen used in road construction in Kenya. Omwoyo emphasized the potential for greater collaboration, particularly in building people-to-people connections among media practitioners, to foster mutual understanding and growth.

Iranian Support for Kenyan Creative Sector

Ambassador Gholampour welcomed the proposal and pledged Iran’s support for Kenya’s creative sector. He suggested the cooperation could extend to broader Kenyan media practitioners through initiatives such as professional exchanges, joint events, and scholarships.

Broader Themes Discussed

The discussions also covered cooperation among Global South nations, current developments in Iran, and the role of media in promoting nationhood and international collaboration, aligning with the principles of the UN Charter. The meeting was conducted under a Joint Cooperation Agreement between Kenya and Iran, which provides a framework for cultural and professional linkages.

Strengthening International Media Partnerships

In April 2025, the Media Council of Kenya reiterated the need to strengthen international media partnerships to enhance professionalism and provide global opportunities for local journalists. MCK proposed a journalism fellowship program in collaboration with China Media Group (CMG), allowing top-performing Kenyan journalists to gain exposure to global media operations. Winners of the Annual Journalism Excellence Awards (AJEA) would be eligible to visit CGTN’s regional offices worldwide.

Media Monitoring and Oversight

To improve regulatory oversight and support quality journalism, Omwoyo proposed software-based solutions for media monitoring to enhance compliance tracking across traditional and digital platforms. He suggested a localized version of such a system would improve the ability to monitor and regulate content.

China Media Group’s Presence in Africa

CMG Africa Representative Rehema Hu highlighted the group’s portfolio, including CGTN, China Radio International (CRI), and China National Radio (CNR). The CMG Africa Bureau in Nairobi serves as the continental hub for the group’s operations, facilitating comprehensive coverage across Africa. CGTN broadcasts in six languages—Chinese, English, French, Spanish, Arabic, and Russian—and Hu emphasized the importance of partnerships in promoting content exchange, cultural understanding, and professional development for journalists.