Dining With Italy Culinary Showcase: A Century Of Taste Exhibition Launched In Nairobi To Boost Kenya-Italy Trade And Tourism

Published on November 21, 2025

Intensified cultural and economic diplomacy was recently achieved by Italy in Kenya with the official launch of the 10th Week of Italian Cuisine in the World. This landmark initiative was heralded by the unveiling of a historic culinary exhibition, which has been designed specifically to deepen bilateral cooperation across several critical sectors, including trade, agriculture, and tourism. The event was established as a strategic pivot, utilizing the universal language of food and culture to build more robust economic and human connections between the two nations. It has been recognized that such targeted, soft-power engagements are essential components in fostering long-term, mutually beneficial relationships between sovereign states.

The focal point of this diplomatic undertaking was the exhibition itself, which commenced its viewing at the Nairobi National Museum. The theme chosen for this significant display was Dining with Italy: 100 Years of Taste and Innovation, and it successfully showcased a collection of 50 rare Italian menus. The comprehensive nature of the presentation was such that it was described by attending officials as the first exhibition of its kind ever to be hosted on the African continent.

This designation underscores the singularity of the event and the seriousness with which the strengthening of the Kenya–Italy relationship is being pursued. The sheer volume and historical context of the displayed artifacts allowed for a detailed examination of how Italian culinary practices have evolved in lockstep with the nation’s political, cultural, and economic transformations over the last one hundred years.

The Unveiling of Culinary Heritage and Identity

The meticulously curated collection, which traces the detailed evolution of Italian gastronomic history, was assembled by Italy’s Biblioteca e Museo della Cucina Garum and Menu Associati. This collaboration ensured that the exhibits were presented with historical rigor and cultural depth. At the official launch, the significance of the endeavor was underscored by Vincenzo Del Monaco, Italy’s Ambassador-designate to Kenya. It was articulated that the showcase reflected the growing depth of cooperation that has been achieved between the two nations across various spheres. The ambassador-designate’s remarks highlighted that food itself is profoundly linked to culture, identity, and innovation, and that these menus serve as a tangible demonstration of how Italy has successfully evolved while maintaining an unbroken continuity with its heritage. This same foundational spirit, it was noted, guides the entirety of the collaborative efforts with Kenya, extending from partnerships in agriculture and education to Italy’s substantial support for Kenyan coffee farmers.

Further evidence of Italy’s commitment to its global cultural standing and its relationship with Africa was provided through the mention of the Mattei Plan for Africa. It was specified that under this strategic framework, Italian support is being directed toward more than 30,000 Kenyan coffee farmers, reinforcing the economic ties and shared interests in the agricultural sector. Furthermore, the global recognition of Italian culinary tradition was brought into focus, as it was noted that Italy is actively seeking UNESCO recognition for its culinary heritage. The pursuit of this status was explained as an acknowledgment that Italian cooking is not merely a set of recipes but a living tradition that fully deserves a position on the global map, not just as a cuisine, but as a rich and enduring expression of cultural continuity. The commitment was affirmed that trade links and people-to-people connections would continue to be prioritized.

Gastronomy as a Driver of Tourism and Investment

The importance of the culinary initiative to Kenya’s national development agenda was emphasized by the Chief Guest, Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano. It was acknowledged that Italy’s dedicated commitment to cultural diplomacy serves as a powerful complement to Kenya’s own ongoing efforts to diversify and enrich its tourism offerings. The Cabinet Secretary’s address highlighted the internationally recognized fact that gastronomy has cemented its position as a major pillar of global tourism. Accordingly, this exhibition was presented as a timely reminder that cultural elements like food can effectively unlock new opportunities for investment and simultaneously foster a deeper sense of mutual understanding between diverse populations.

Cultural Bridges and Symbolic Artistry

The launch event was further elevated by the presence of significant cultural figures, notably the world-renowned Italian painter and sculptor Tommaso Cascella. During the proceedings, his contribution, a sculptural table titled Arch, Bridge, Scale, Rainbow of Peace and Work, was formally unveiled. This artwork, which had been crafted locally in Nairobi, was described by Cascella as representing a genuine dialogue. It was intended to symbolize the bringing together of Italian artistic imagination with authentic Kenyan craftsmanship, thus creating a tangible representation of the cultural bridge being constructed between the two peoples. The selection of Nairobi as the place of creation further reinforced the commitment to collaborative endeavor and mutual respect in the arts.

Exhibition Scope and Future Commitment

The culinary exhibition, a central mechanism for realizing the increased trade and tourism goals, has been scheduled to run until 10 December 2025. It is anticipated that the display will successfully attract many thousands of visitors over its duration. To enhance the overall visitor experience and to maximize the commercial opportunities associated with the showcase, the exhibition is being complemented by a series of four Italian wine-tasting events. These focused complementary events are being strategically hosted in key locations within Kenya, including Nairobi, Watamu, and Malindi. The selection of these diverse locations serves the dual purpose of highlighting Italy’s regional diversity in its wine production and drawing attention to the specific business opportunities that are intrinsically tied to culinary tourism and the hospitality sector in the Kenyan coast and capital.