Marriages between Chinese and Kenyans are breaching cultural divide in Africa

One analyst believes that their experiences may pave way to bettering Sino-African trade ties where culture and language continue to be the biggest impediments. 

In an interview with Xinhua last year, David Monyae, a scholar in South Africa, said understanding each other's culture, history, and even law remains the key to consolidating China-Africa relations. He noted there was a growing interest among African youths in understanding cultures and this would shape the China-Africa future narrative.  

He noted that the two cultures have a lot of similarities. The African philosophy of Ubuntu is not far from Confucianism, as both emphasize sharing and caring.

"In Ubuntu, we believe that 'I am because of you,' which means I cannot exist in your absence. Your wellbeing is good for me, as well. For me to get peace in my life, I have to make sure that my neighbor is not hungry and there's peace in my neighbor's house," Monyae said.

Confucianism, on the other hand, emphasizes humanity and good conduct.

Studies done on interracial marriages have shown that education plays an important role in breaching the cultural divide. In 2015, a report in South Africa by North-West University in Mahikeng and another by the Pew Research Center analyzing the US Census Bureau showed that attainment of higher education increased the chances of interracial marriages in the two countries. 

Interestingly, there has been a notable surge in the number of Africans pursuing higher studies in China. In 2017, at least 62,000 students were in China, a 24 percent jump compared to 2016. There now are more than 2,000 Kenyans studying in China, according to the Chinese Embassy in Nairobi. 

During this period, there has been a spike in the number of Chinese-Kenyan marriages. The government received 44 percent more requests for the certificate of no impediment in 2018 compared to the previous year. This document is acquired by a Kenyan who wishes to marry outside the country. It indicates that there is no obstruction, inhibition, barrier or valid reason as to why the marriage should not take place.