Home » Italy Travel News » Italy and Kenya Celebrate 100 Years of Innovation and Collaboration, Promoting Tourism in Nairobi
Published on
November 21, 2025
Italy and Kenya have taken a significant step in strengthening their tourism ties through a landmark cultural event in Nairobi, aimed at fostering deeper bilateral relations. The event, which celebrates 100 years of Italian innovation and collaboration, brings together diverse elements of Italian heritage and culture to Kenya, highlighting the potential for increased tourism and economic cooperation. Set against the backdrop of Kenya’s growing role as a regional tourism hub, this exhibition serves as a key opportunity to not only celebrate Italy’s rich history but also to promote sustainable tourism and cultural exchange between the two nations. By showcasing Italy’s cultural diversity and tourism potential, the event underscores the importance of food, art, and heritage in building long-lasting connections and driving growth in the tourism sector.
Italy has stepped up its cultural and economic engagement in Kenya with the launch of the 10th Week of Italian Cuisine in the World. This year’s event features a groundbreaking culinary exhibition designed to foster deeper ties between the two nations in sectors like trade, agriculture, and tourism.
Held at the Nairobi National Museum, the event is aptly themed “Dining with Italy: 100 Years of Taste and Innovation”. It presents an extraordinary exhibition showcasing 50 rare Italian menus, marking the first time such a display has been held in Africa. The exhibit, curated by Italy’s renowned Biblioteca e Museo della Cucina Garum and Menu Associati, chronicles the evolution of Italian cuisine over the past century. It reflects how this beloved culinary tradition has adapted alongside significant political, cultural, and economic changes, showcasing how food is not just a source of sustenance but also a mirror to societal transformations.
One of the event’s notable attendees was Benson Kipruto, the Olympic marathon bronze medallist and 2025 New York City Marathon champion. He praised the collaboration between Italy and Kenya, acknowledging the significance of such cultural exchanges in strengthening bilateral relations.
Running through to December 10, 2025, the exhibition is expected to draw a substantial number of visitors, further enhancing tourism and promoting Italian gastronomy as a key economic driver. In addition to the exhibition, the event will be complemented by four Italian wine-tasting events held in Nairobi, Watamu, and Malindi. These tastings will provide attendees with an immersive experience of Italy’s regional culinary diversity and highlight the immense business potential in culinary tourism, a growing sector globally.
The Italian Embassy in Kenya has emphasized that this year’s event marks a new chapter in its long-term strategy to boost trade relations and expand cultural exchanges. Italy’s commitment to promoting gastronomy as a powerful tool for economic growth was clear, with officials underlining the role of food in strengthening not just cultural ties but also the broader economic framework that includes agriculture, tourism, and trade.
Italy and Kenya have deepened their tourism ties through a landmark cultural event in Nairobi, marking 100 years of Italian innovation and collaboration. This exhibition highlights the potential for increased tourism and economic growth, strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.
This year’s Italian Cuisine Week is more than just an exhibition; it’s part of Italy’s broader effort to solidify its presence in Kenya, showcasing Italian innovation and heritage while fostering lasting economic connections. The event is expected to serve as a key milestone in enhancing Kenya’s gastronomic tourism and international trade potential, as Italy’s culinary influence continues to expand globally. Through initiatives like this, both nations aim to harness the power of food and culture to drive long-term economic development and deepen bilateral cooperation.
Dining and Cooking