China is often discussed in Kenya through stories about government, major infrastructure projects, trade and business. But a recent visit by Kenyan journalists offered a different look at the country — focusing on ordinary people and their daily lives.
A two-week visit covered Beijing, Ningbo and Jiaxing, with a stopover in Guangzhou. The trip provided an opportunity to observe life beyond the political and economic stories that usually dominate coverage of China.
One of the biggest impressions was the scale of everyday life. Markets, restaurants, streets and railway stations were filled with people working, shopping, travelling and spending time with their families.
Despite the huge difference in population and scale, some daily concerns appeared familiar. People were focused on work, family, food, transport and making a living, much like people in Nairobi.
The visit also highlighted the growing use of technology in everyday activities. In one shop, a robot was seen serving customers by moving around the store and delivering products.
Digital payments were also common. Many businesses accepted WeChat Pay, allowing customers to make payments without using cash. The experience was compared to the convenience of mobile money services familiar to Kenyans.
The visit also provided opportunities for conversations with ordinary Chinese citizens. One Beijing taxi driver spoke about his work, family time and hobbies while also showing curiosity about Kenya and Africa.
The Great Wall offered another view of the country, bringing together China's long history and its rapidly changing modern society.
The experience showed that China cannot be understood only through government policies, major projects or economic statistics. It is also a country of workers, traders, families, commuters, students and consumers going about their daily lives.
The visit therefore offered a broader perspective on China and its growing relationship with Kenya.