China-Kenya cooperation and the making of a kenyan underwater archaeologist

China and Kenya are geographically very far away from each other, separated by large masses of land, sea and cultures. Travel between the two countries covers thousands of miles and tens of hours. However, the two are connected, culturally, technologically and politically with cultural connectivity proving that the two were connected many years ago. Recent studies have showed that external contacts between Kenya and China are not recent but existed more than five centuries ago (Bita, 2013). During the Chinese Ming dynasty the Chinese launched various missions to the African continent reaching as far as Lamu and Malindi (Freeman-Grenville, 1975; Inghams, 1962).

My experience on China and the Kenya - China cooperation began with the work of turning me into an underwater archaeologist. This did not start with myself rather it was through the China-Kenya cooperation as well as support of colleagues, family and a lot many other people. My training yielded a wealth of experience on China and the relations between the two countries.

I was nominated for an underwater archaeology training course which was tenable in China from 5th June 2007 to 18th September 2007. The course was conducted in two phases; the first between 5th June 2007 and 17th July 2007. The second took place from 25th August 2007 to 18th September 2007. While the first phase involved training in basic swimming, diving and theory, the second part involved underwater archaeological practice. This is a course that concentrated mainly with techniques and practice of underwater archaeology and physical practice was conducted on an ancient shipwreck in Langya in the south East Sea of china.

During the period of my training and stay in China many people helped me through. The support from Kenya showed the commitment of the Kenya government to the bilateral cooperation between Kenya and China. The Chinese warm welcome and dedication to ensure I mastered the art of underwater archaeology was a sign that China is a dedicated partner. The resourcefulness of the majority of the lecturers and dive instructors and my trainee colleagues enabled me to achieve my potential in swimming, diving and technical underwater archaeology, henceforth making the first Kenyan Underwater Archaeologist.

Chinese culture is quite diverse and their history stretches back several thousands of years compared to Kenya. Similarly, their research experience, technology is also far ahead of that of Kenya. I have been involved closely with Chinese terrestrial and underwater archaeologists from Peking University and Museum of China and by this experience however, I have witnessed the good spirit of Chinese ready to share and exchange their techniques and methodologies with Kenyans researchers and partners.

The Kenya-China cultural cooperation has exhibited great potential in our underwater cultural heritage. Through this friendship and cooperation, Kenya has identified a wealth of cultural heritage in form of shipwrecks lying under the sea in our coastal waters. It is my prayer that this cooperation continues to enable Kenya achieve its dream as the first African country to have an underwater archaeological museum.

The China-Kenya cooperation has shown that the warmth and hospitality of the Kenyan people is not recent, but has been in existence hundreds of years. This is typified by the Sultan of Malindi presenting a live giraffe as a gift to the King of Bengal in the 15th century. Similarly, the reciprocity of Chinese people is as old as the Chinese themselves. After receiving a gift of a giraffe from the King of Malindi, the Chinese sent another expedition to Malindi (Freeman-Grenville, 1975; Inghams, 1962). The ongoing friendship and cooperation exhibits these characters that began many years ago.

The cultural cooperation between Kenya and China is important to both countries. I note the support to this cultural exchange and friendship by Presidents of both countries, His Excellency the Ambassador of China to Kenya as well as the Cabinet Secretary; Ministry of Sports, Culture and the Arts. To all of them I say "Thank you, very much".