On Monday, February 16 night, the Chinese community in Kenya joined their compatriots around the world in celebrating Chinese New Year, marking the start of the Year of the Fire Horse.
The holiday, rooted in centuries of tradition, brings families together and underscores the importance of cultural heritage.
Across Nairobi and other urban centers, Chinese homes and businesses were adorned with red lanterns, banners, and decorations. Red, a symbol of luck and protection, signaled that families were ready to welcome the new year. Fireworks lit the evening skies, meant to drive away misfortune and clear the path for prosperity.
The heart of the celebration remains the reunion dinner. Families gather for meals where every dish holds meaning: fish for abundance, dumplings shaped like ancient gold ingots for wealth, and long noodles symbolizing longevity. Elders present children with red envelopes containing money, a gesture of blessing and responsibility.
For fifteen days, festivities will continue with lantern displays, dragon and lion dances, and discussions about zodiac signs, with the Fire Horse inspiring a focus on energy, independence, and courage. The celebrations highlight cultural traditions and strengthen bonds within Kenya’s Chinese community and with the wider society.
The economic impact was also visible. Restaurants, markets, and travel services experienced a surge, showing that the Chinese New Year is both a cultural and economic highlight.
President William Ruto and Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano led Kenyans in wishing the Chinese community in Kenyan and around the world a Happy New Year.
“China is an important development partner of Kenya and a strong voice for the Global South and multilateralism. Kenya recognises and appreciates the contribution of the Chinese business community in Kenya, a key stakeholder in implementing the outcomes of my successful State Visit to China in 2025 and in advancing the vision of Building a Closer Community with a Shared Future for the New Era,” President Ruto wrote.
On behalf of the people and the Government of Kenya, I take this opportunity, on the occasion of the Chinese New Year, to wish the Chinese community in Kenya and around the world a Happy New Year.
— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) February 16, 2026
China is an important development partner of Kenya and a strong voice for the…
At its core, the holiday reminds everyone that traditions matter, family comes first, and embracing cultural heritage brings communities together, even thousands of kilometers from the festival’s origin.
