Author: staff reporter

Mwalimu National Sacco CEO Kenneth Odhiambo has joined Kenyans in celebrating teachers on World Teachers’ Day, recognising their role in shaping not only learners’ academic journeys but also how they think, plan and build for the future.

Teachers prepare us for much more than the classroom. Through their guidance, discipline and mentorship, they help shape generations, inspire ambition and equip learners with the knowledge and values needed to navigate life.

As the world marks Teachers’ Day, Odhiambo celebrates the dedication and contribution of teachers and appreciates them for the invaluable role they continue to play in building individuals, families and communities.

“Teachers prepare us for more than the classroom. They shape how we think, plan and build for the future.”

He extended his appreciation to teachers for the sacrifices they make every day and for the lasting impact they have on generations of learners.

Happy World Teachers’ Day to all our teachers. Thank you for everything you give. ::

BEIJING, Oct. 4 (Xinhua) — Consumer spending across China is holding steady midway through the seven-day National Day holiday, with early data pointing to stable growth that reflects the economy’s underlying vitality.

In the first three days of the holiday from Oct. 1 to 3, foot traffic and revenue at 78 major shopping streets and commercial districts monitored by the Ministry of Commerce rose 3.4 percent and 5.3 percent year on year, respectively.

Notably, the government’s consumer goods trade-in program drove 19.63 billion yuan (about 2.91 billion U.S. dollars) in sales over the same period, benefiting 3.48 million consumers.

In breakdown, the program drove trade-ins of 46,000 vehicles, generating 7.45 billion yuan in new car sales, along with 1.51 million home appliances worth 6.5 billion yuan and 1.71 million digital and smart devices worth 4.9 billion yuan.

The National Day holiday has long been one of China’s peak periods for travel, tourism and spending. Authorities had projected 2.13 billion cross-regional passenger trips in total over the seven days, averaging 300 million a day.

Previous data have suggested demand remains strong as railway passenger trips on Oct. 1 alone reached 25.2 million, a single-day record.

To meet surging demand, China has added train services on busy routes and waived highway tolls for private cars during the holiday.

Moreover, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism launched a month-long national tourism promotion campaign in late September.

Local governments are hosting more than 20,000 events spanning scenic trips, autumn outings, red tourism, study tours, night activities and local food to boost diverse premium tourism offerings, while also handing out some 310 million yuan in consumer vouchers and subsidies over the month as a way to spur tourism consumption.  ■

Visitors shop at Sanya International Duty-Free Shopping Complex in Sanya, south China’s Hainan Province, Oct. 2, 2026. During the first National Day holiday since the launch of the island-wide special customs operations at Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP), the tropical island has offered visitors from home and abroad a diverse range of experiences — from duty-free shopping and local food to historic neighborhoods and the distinctive lifestyle of fishing communities. (Xinhua/Guo Cheng)

HAIKOU, Oct. 4 (Xinhua) — China’s southernmost province of Hainan has more to offer than beaches and coconut trees.

During the first National Day holiday since the launch of the island-wide special customs operations at Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP), the tropical island has offered visitors from home and abroad a diverse range of experiences — from duty-free shopping and local food to historic neighborhoods and the distinctive lifestyle of fishing communities.

In the seaside resort city of Sanya, the Sanya International Duty-Free Shopping Complex has drawn a steady stream of visitors during the holiday. The sprawling mall offers a wide selection of international brands, attractive duty-free prices and convenient pickup services.

“The shopping mall is huge and nice,” said Alina, a Russian tourist. “There are many international brands and the prices are good. I enjoy shopping here very much.”

Visiting China for the first time, Alina said she had enjoyed her trip to Hainan, where tropical coastal scenery was complemented by a world-class shopping experience.

Since Hainan expanded its duty-free shopping access to departing tourists last November, a growing number of overseas visitors like Alina have been seen at the island’s major duty-free shopping centers.

For domestic tourists, duty-free shopping has long been a popular part of a Hainan itinerary.

Li Tian, a tourist from central China’s Henan Province, purchased perfumes and cosmetics during her visit.

“Duty-free shopping is a must-do for me every time I visit Hainan. The prices are attractive, and the wide range of products meets my one-stop shopping needs,” she said.

But the island’s appeal goes well beyond its glossy shopping malls. Across Hainan, old streets, traditional neighborhoods and fishing ports offer visitors a chance to slow down and experience a different side of the island — one rooted in local history and everyday life.

At Qilou Old Street in Haikou, the provincial capital, century-old arcade buildings line the historic streets, where tourists wander through narrow lanes, sample local snacks and soak up the atmosphere.

A local tea house on the street was packed with guests during the National Day holiday. “I came here to experience the local way of life. It’s bustling and has a very authentic feel,” said a tourist surnamed Xu from east China’s Zhejiang Province.

At Xincun Port in Lingshui Li Autonomous County, hundreds of Tanka fish rafts are lined up across the blue waters, forming a unique “village on the sea.” Shuttle boats ferry tourists back and forth, offering them a close-up look at the traditional culture and way of life of the Tanka people.

The Tanka people, or boat dwellers, are those who have traditionally lived on sampans and made their living by fishing in coastal waters. Over generations, they have developed a distinctive culture.

“I have never seen such a large cluster of fish rafts before, and I’ve never had a meal on one either. Today’s experience is truly unique,” said Gao Chen, a tourist from Beijing who enjoyed a seafood meal on a floating raft for the first time.

During the day, tourists here engage in fun activities like beachcombing and sea angling, harvesting fresh seafood. As night falls, Xincun night market comes alive with bustling crowds as people gather around stalls serving grilled seafood, tropical fruits and local snacks.

Sanya’s Xidao Island, home to a fishing village with more than 400 years of history, offers yet another glimpse into the island’s traditional coastal life. Visitors can explore its winding lanes on foot or rent electric scooters to get around.

“Cycling around the village makes me feel totally relaxed and at ease,” said a tourist surnamed Zhang from north China’s Hebei Province.

Hainan is at the forefront of a broader national effort to upgrade tourism offerings. The latest five-year tourism development plan, approved by the State Council and released in July, calls for nurturing new drivers of tourism growth and enriching the supply of high-quality tourism experiences.

The Hainan FTP officially launched island-wide special customs operations in December last year. According to plans, China aims to build Hainan into a globally influential tourism and consumption destination by 2035. ■

Visitors shop at Sanya International Duty-Free Shopping Complex in Sanya, south China’s Hainan Province, Oct. 2, 2026.

During the first National Day holiday since the launch of the island-wide special customs operations at Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP), the tropical island has offered visitors from home and abroad a diverse range of experiences — from duty-free shopping and local food to historic neighborhoods and the distinctive lifestyle of fishing communities. (Xinhua/Guo Cheng)

People dine at a local tea house in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province, Oct. 1, 2026.

During the first National Day holiday since the launch of the island-wide special customs operations at Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP), the tropical island has offered visitors from home and abroad a diverse range of experiences — from duty-free shopping and local food to historic neighborhoods and the distinctive lifestyle of fishing communities. (Xinhua/Guo Cheng)

Tourists visit Qilou Old Street in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province, Oct. 1, 2026.

During the first National Day holiday since the launch of the island-wide special customs operations at Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP), the tropical island has offered visitors from home and abroad a diverse range of experiences — from duty-free shopping and local food to historic neighborhoods and the distinctive lifestyle of fishing communities. (Xinhua/Guo Cheng)

This photo taken on Oct. 1, 2026 shows the bustling night market in Xincun Port of Lingshui Li Autonomous County, south China’s Hainan Province.

During the first National Day holiday since the launch of the island-wide special customs operations at Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP), the tropical island has offered visitors from home and abroad a diverse range of experiences — from duty-free shopping and local food to historic neighborhoods and the distinctive lifestyle of fishing communities. (Xinhua/Guo Cheng)

* Chinese travelers have ventured farther during the National Day holiday, with family trips and experience-oriented travel on the rise.

* Former revolutionary base areas have drawn renewed interest from holidaymakers, with visits offering travelers a chance to learn about the country’s revolutionary history and reflect on the difficult years that helped shape modern China.

* More international travelers are flocking to China to experience the country for themselves, riding a rising wave of global fascination with everything from the scenery and culture to its lifestyles and, more recently, Chinese brands and design.

BEIJING, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) — Five days into China’s week-long National Day holiday, millions are still immersed in the sights, sounds and flavors of the season — traveling, dining, exploring and enjoying the break. Yet this year, the scenes are subtly different.

Travelers have ventured farther as the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday fell just three days before the National Day holiday, while family trips and experience-oriented travel are on the rise, according to travel agencies.

“It points to a fundamental shift in the logic of tourism consumption, as travelers focus more on the quality of time and the richness of their experiences,” said Bu Xiting, a researcher with the Communication University of China.

LONGER BREAKS, RICHER CHOICES

Data from Chinese online travel platform Tuniu shows that tours of 10 days or more are particularly popular during this holiday period, accounting for 26 percent of bookings.

Yuan You, an internet company employee, spent three days of her 13-day break in Jiuzhaigou, southwest China’s Sichuan Province, before heading to the provincial capital Chengdu for woodworking classes.

“The holiday is rich while maintaining a relaxed pace,” she said.

Authorities across the country have rolled out a wide range of activities, consumer vouchers and subsidies to spur holiday spending. Shanghai, for example, has launched about 200 major consumption events, backed by consumer vouchers worth roughly 100 million yuan (around 14.85 million U.S. dollars).

The offerings range from watching films and dining to purchasing digital products and cars, encouraging consumers to explore a broader spectrum of spending experiences.

Cultural institutions, too, are broadening the ways people can experience and consume culture. The Sichuan Museum extended its holiday hours and launched a themed night tour, while Beijing’s Zhongshan Park brought museums, cultural institutions and innovative brands together to create a market street featuring culture-inspired products.

As more new energy vehicles hit the roads during the holiday, authorities have taken measures to ensure adequate charging facilities and convenient services.

During last year’s eight-day Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holiday period, Chinese travelers made 888 million domestic trips and spent a combined 809 billion yuan, according to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

This year, data shows that foot traffic and revenue at 78 major shopping streets and commercial districts monitored by the Ministry of Commerce rose 3.4 percent and 5.3 percent year on year, respectively, from Oct. 1 to 3.

RED TOURISM, ROBOTS AND RURAL EXPERIENCES

As China marks the 90th anniversary of the victory of the Long March, former revolutionary base areas have drawn renewed interest from holidaymakers, with visits offering travelers a chance to learn about the country’s revolutionary history and reflect on the difficult years that helped shape modern China.

In Yan’an, northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, a street has staged special activities including performances of songs from the revolutionary years and a large-scale bonfire gathering. Visitor numbers on the first day of the holiday rose about 20 percent year on year.

The holiday has also turned some of China’s newest robots into part of the consumer experience, putting embodied intelligence to work alongside traditional culture in tourist attractions, shopping districts and ancient towns.

At a cultural district in Chengdu, robots performed dances inspired by local opera’s face-changing art and used digital technology to recreate tanghua, a traditional form of sugar painting.

On Chunxi Road, a humanoid robot has gone beyond entertainment to take on the role of a store manager, greeting customers and recommending products rather than simply performing for them.

China’s growing network of robot training bases is preparing more machines for roles beyond the factory floor — and beyond the country’s borders. In the first half of 2026, Chinese manufacturers accounted for 97 percent of humanoid robot shipments worldwide, according to a report released at the 2026 World Robot Conference.

Years of efforts to restore the environment and revitalize rural areas are also paying off. On a ridge overlooking the Miyun Reservoir in Beijing, visitors can hike to a viewing platform and enjoy outdoor concerts amid the pine trees.

With roads, infrastructure and public services extending deeper into the countryside, some once-remote villages are emerging as new destinations for holidaymakers.

Caijiagou, a former impoverished hillside village in east China’s Shandong Province, has transformed into an art-themed destination, with murals adorning residential walls.

Village official Liang Yunhui said the village has repurposed idle rural homes into cultural spaces such as an art gallery and a musical instrument museum, while hosting events featuring traditional crafts, cultural fairs and folk music. “In total, we have received more than 500,000 visits over the years,” he said.

On travel platform Fliggy, the number of users purchasing travel products featuring natural scenery and villages surged by nearly 50 percent from the same holiday period last year.

“More travelers are seeking immersive experiences, from sampling local cuisine and making intangible cultural heritage crafts to watching distinctive performances, allowing them to gain a deeper appreciation of local culture,” said a manager with Tuniu.

CHINA HAUL

While many Chinese tourists are venturing farther around the world, more international travelers are flocking to China to experience the country for themselves, riding a rising wave of global fascination with everything from the scenery and culture to its lifestyles and, more recently, Chinese brands and design.

Tennis star Novak Djokovic, in Beijing for the China Open, was seen trying his hand at Chinese calligraphy at the Summer Palace, a former imperial garden. After a match, he used a traditional Chinese seal to put his mark on fans’ keepsakes instead of signing autographs.

Huaqiangbei, a sprawling electronics marketplace in south China’s tech hub Shenzhen, has become a magnet for foreign shoppers looking to experience China’s tech scene firsthand.

Bryan Lamothe-Arice from the United States was browsing smart devices. “I’m particularly interested in the electric bikes and all kinds of flying devices here. I’m going to tell my friends to come here. There are tech products everywhere.”

China’s border crossings are expected to see about 2.15 million passenger trips a day on average during the National Day holiday, according to the National Immigration Administration.

That growing international interest is also showing up in spending. Overseas visitors spent 263.6 billion yuan in China in the first seven months of 2026, up 27.8 percent year on year, according to the commerce ministry.

(Video reporters: Chen Si, Lin Long, Ji Zijian, Sun Qing and Zhong Chao; Video editors: Zhang Mocheng and Hong Ling)  ■

Passengers prepare to board a train at Nanjing South Railway Station in Nanjing, east China’s Jiangsu Province, Sept. 30, 2026. China’s railway network saw a peak in passenger flow on Wednesday, one day before the beginning of the seven-day National Day holiday. (Photo by Su Yang/Xinhua)

BEIJING, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) — For Zhang Yang and his family in Ankang, northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, this year’s National Day holiday was a memorable one. On Oct. 1, following the opening of the Xi’an-Ankang high-speed railway, they took a direct high-speed train from Ankang to Yan’an, a city known for its revolutionary history.

The journey, which used to take more than seven hours, now takes just over two hours.

The Zhang family was among millions on the move during the National Day holiday from Oct. 1 to 7, one of China’s peak periods for travel and spending.

Data from the Ministry of Transport showed cross-regional passenger trips exceeded 300 million on each of the first three days of the holiday. China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. (China Railway) said the country’s railways handled over 25.2 million passenger trips on Oct. 1, setting a new single-day record.

For a country as vast as China, moving hundreds of millions of people during a holiday rush is a feat of scale. Behind this feat lies a transport network built up over decades.

By the end of 2025, China’s comprehensive transport network spanned more than 6 million km, including the world’s largest high-speed rail network. High-speed railways, expressways, airports and ports connect cities, towns and rural areas across the country.

The network is continuing to expand. On Sept. 28, China opened four major high-speed railway sections across northern, northwestern, central and northeastern China, with a combined length of more than 1,100 km. The new lines further shorten travel times and put more destinations within easy reach of families like Zhang’s.

China’s transport development goes beyond faster journeys. Better supporting services are also making travel more convenient.

New energy vehicles (NEVs) have become increasingly common among Chinese households and are now a popular choice for long-distance travel. The Ministry of Transport expects NEV trips on expressways during the holiday to reach 1.8 times the usual level, pushing up demand for charging services.

China’s extensive charging infrastructure is helping to meet growing demand. The country now has more than 24 million EV charging facilities, forming the world’s largest EV charging network. Highway service areas have about 89,000 charging facilities in total, covering virtually all service areas.

To handle the holiday peak, mobile emergency chargers have been added at key service areas, while drivers are encouraged to leave after charging their batteries to 80 percent to improve charging turnover.

Faster connections and more convenient services are making it easier for travelers to visit more destinations in a single trip. Data from online travel platform Qunar showed that nearly 30 percent of travelers had booked hotels in at least two cities, while bookings involving stays in four or more cities surged 53 percent year on year.

The trend extends beyond China’s borders. China’s expanding transport links are supporting a rise in cross-border travel, with Chinese airlines operating regular international passenger routes connecting 177 cities in 80 countries.

For outbound travel, Qunar data showed that hotel bookings for multi-country trips more than doubled year on year during the holiday. Inbound tourism also recorded double-digit growth, according to Trip.com Group, with day-tour bookings up more than fourfold and train ticket bookings up more than 170 percent year on year during the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day breaks.

The transport network that carries millions of travelers is also keeping goods moving, linking businesses and markets and sustaining economic activity across the country.

Even during the holiday, the Liujing operating area of Nanning Port in south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region bustles with activity, as ship horns sound and workers load and unload goods.

The increase in cargo traffic is closely linked to the opening of the Pinglu Canal. Stretching 134.2 km from Hengzhou in Guangxi to the Beibu Gulf, the canal opened to navigation on Sept. 16, providing a shorter river-sea route for cargo from southwest China to international markets.

Bulk cargo, including construction materials, auto parts and grain, is being shipped from Nanning Port via the Pinglu Canal to the Beibu Gulf for export. On average, the route now handles an additional 20,000 tonnes of cargo per day.

“We expect to transport 200,000 tonnes of cargo during the National Day holiday,” said You Tong, deputy manager of the production operations center at Nanning Port Development and Investment Co., Ltd.

You said the port has optimized operations and maintained round-the-clock staffing to keep cargo moving smoothly during the holiday surge. ■

Liberia on Monday highlighted significant regulatory milestones and telecommunications progress during the Regional ICT Regulators’ Forum in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi, citing cross-border collaboration and targeted institutional training as key drivers of its sector growth.

Delegates representing the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) joined peer regulators, regional bodies, and international partners for the opening of the 8th Cohort of the ICT Policy and Regulation – Institutional Strengthening Programme (iPRIS), an initiative aimed at building institutional capacity across African regulatory bodies.

Speaking at the forum, Liberian delegates noted that sustained engagement with peer regulatory bodies and international capacity-building programs has enabled the country to modernize its regulatory frameworks, expand rural connectivity initiatives, and enhance institutional compliance mechanisms.

Liberia’s delegation emphasized that participation in peer-learning platforms like iPRIS has equipped national regulators with practical approaches to address critical domestic challenges, including spectrum management, quality-of-service standards, and digital inclusion for unserved communities.

The Nairobi forum, hosted in collaboration with the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), brought together regulatory officials from Liberia, Sierra Leone, Mauritius, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania, alongside regional organizations such as the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA), the East African Communications Organisation (EACO), and the Communication Regulators’ Association of Southern Africa (CRASA).

Opening the event on behalf of the host regulator, Communications Authority of Kenya officials noted that digital transformation across Africa is already an operational reality, stressing that regulatory institutions must work together to ensure digital growth is secure, inclusive, and responsive to citizens’ needs.

Bill Caranda policy analyst at the Liberia Telecom Authority underscored the importance of Liberia’s and other member states’ active involvement in regional integration efforts, calling for harmonized policy frameworks to lower cross-border market barriers and enhance cybersecurity resilience across Africa.

International development partners attending the event included representatives from the European Union, the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority, and Stockholm University through the Swedish Programme for ICT in Developing Regions (SPIDER).

Throughout the week-long convening in Nairobi, participants are set to deliberate on strategies for 5G rollout, universal service fund management, spectrum auction frameworks, and adapting regulatory oversight to keep pace with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and digital platforms.