On Wednesday evening, August 12, 2026, Nyayo National Stadium will be the venue for the 2026 Thousands of Miles on the Silk Road – Colourful Africa Drone Light Show. The event combines a youth football match with a spectacular drone display to celebrate African heritage and cultural connections between Kenya and China.
The programme kicks off at 5:30 pm with a friendly football match involving local teenagers and visitors from Shaanxi, China. This will be followed by a vibrant drone light show from 6:30 pm to 7:00 pm, illuminating the Nairobi night sky with colourful representations of African culture.
Gender and Culture Cabinet Secretary Hanna Cheptumo highlighted that the event aims to showcase Africa’s rich identity, promote friendship, and enhance cultural exchange between Kenya and China. She stated, “Tonight, Nyayo Stadium will come alive in a spectacular celebration of African culture, heritage, and friendship.”
The event is free and open to the public, inviting all Kenyans to participate in the celebration.
Background of the Event
The 2026 Thousands of Miles on the Silk Road is a cross-border multimedia storytelling initiative launched by China’s Shaanxi Media. For the first time, the project has extended to Africa under the theme “Colours of Africa,” documenting aspects of life and culture across five countries: Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Zambia, and South Africa.
This special occasion also marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Africa and celebrates the China-Africa Year of People-to-People and Cultural Exchanges.
The media convoy has travelled over 10,000 kilometres across Africa, focusing on cooperation, culture, nature, music and dance, and gastronomy. Prior to arriving in Nairobi, the team documented wildlife at the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
