Exploring the deep roots of China and Kenya's relationship

From porcelains at the Lamu Museum in Lamu Island to a family tracing their ancestry to Chinese sailors in the historical 13th century Siyu village in Pate Island, it's evident that China and Kenya have a deep-rooted ancient trade relationship dating back to the Maritime Silk Road.

According to oral history, and backed by a DNA test of one family, some survivors from admiral Zheng He's shipwrecked fleet swam ashore to the village and married local Swahili women in the 15th century. Mwamaka Sharifu is the descendant of one of those sailors. With the DNA test result, she received sponsorship from the Chinese government to study traditional Chinese medicine in China. Now, she is practicing TCM in Nairobi.

Mansur Ile is a collector of Chinese porcelains that exemplify the trade link between China and Kenya.

Click on the video to find out more about their stories.