Wang Qianxu, chief executive officer of StarTimes Kenya, speaks during the launching ceremony of the Swahili drama series KIU, in Nairobi, Kenya, Dec. 8, 2022. Chinese pay television firm StarTimes on Thursday evening launched the new drama series in Kenya amid its growing efforts to produce local content. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)
NAIROBI, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Chinese pay television firm StarTimes on Thursday evening launched a new drama series in Kenya amid its growing efforts to produce local content.
The Swahili drama series, dubbed KIU, features some of Kenya's leading actors while its theme revolves around an intricate web of intimacy, betrayal, lust, and vengeance. It will premiere at StarTimes affiliated Rembo Television channel on Dec. 12.
Wang Qianxu, chief executive officer (CEO) of StarTimes Kenya, said that comprehensive audience research and analysis informed the launch of KIU which is expected to run over 100 episodes.
"KIU's launching is a great success of the two countries' cultural exchanges, and it does give us the confidence to continue to strengthen our cooperation in the future," said Tang Jianjun, cultural counselor of the Chinese embassy in Kenya.
"There has been a progressive growth of the Kenyan film industry and we welcome support from StarTimes to develop a vibrant film industry," said Timothy Owase, CEO of the Kenya Film Commission, adding that the launch of the drama series marked a significant milestone in the growth of the local creative industry. ■
Timothy Owase, chief executive officer of the Kenya Film Commission, speaks during the launching ceremony of the Swahili drama series KIU, in Nairobi, Kenya, Dec. 8, 2022. Chinese pay television firm StarTimes on Thursday evening launched the new drama series in Kenya amid its growing efforts to produce local content. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)
Tang Jianjun, cultural counselor of the Chinese embassy in Kenya, speaks during the launching ceremony of the Swahili drama series KIU, in Nairobi, Kenya, Dec. 8, 2022. Chinese pay television firm StarTimes on Thursday evening launched the new drama series in Kenya amid its growing efforts to produce local content. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)
This photo taken on Dec. 8, 2022 shows the launching ceremony of the Swahili drama series KIU, in Nairobi, Kenya. Chinese pay television firm StarTimes on Thursday evening launched the new drama series in Kenya amid its growing efforts to produce local content. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)
