Follow CGSP on Social Media

Listen to the CGSP Podcast

While Skepticism of China’s Global Media Expansion Runs High in the U.S., in Kenya Opinions are More Varied

by Eric Olander

Kenya is the epicenter of China’s media presence in Africa, with Nairobi hosting the regional headquarters of CGTN and an expanded presence by the state-run news service Xinhua. Also, Kenya is one of the largest markets for Chinese-owned private sector media and technology companies like the pay-TV provider StarTimes and the popular streaming music service Boomplay. 

The BBC went to Nairobi to explore whether China’s heightened presence in the African media market is paying off.

Lead the Conversation on China

Subscribe Today to Get Full Access to The China-Global South Project

Check Out Everything You'll Get With Your Subscription

The China-Global South Daily Brief delivered to your inbox at 6AM Washington time

Full access to exclusive news and analysis from editors based in the Global South

Transcripts of CGSP’s twice-weekly podcasts

Students and teachers with a valid .edu email address are eligible for a 50% discount off monthly or yearly subscriptions. Email us to receive a discount code.

You Might Like

In Africa, China Is the News

China’s soft power projection in Africa is radically different from that of other countries, like the U.S. or France, where movies, music, and culture are used to foster support and allegiance. Even ...

High Profile Kenyan TV Anchor Leaves KTN For China’s CGTN Africa

KTN news presenter Grace Kuria announced on air over the weekend that she’ll be leaving the network. Although she didn’t say what she’s going to do next, Pulse Kenya reports she’ll ...

China’s State-Controlled Media Holding Company Opens New HQ in Kenya

Lead the Conversation on China Subscribe Today to Get Full Access to The China-Global South Project ...

What is The China-Global South Project?

Independent

The China-Global South Project is passionately independent, non-partisan and does not advocate for any country, company or culture.

News

A carefully curated selection of the day’s most important China-Global South stories. Updated 24 hours a day by human editors. No bots, no algorithms.

Analysis

Diverse, often unconventional insights from scholars, analysts, journalists and a variety of stakeholders in the China-Global South discourse.

Networking

A unique professional network of China-Africa scholars, analysts, journalists and other practioners from around the world.