Italy has significantly enhanced its cultural and economic diplomacy in Kenya with the grand launch of the 10th Week of Italian Cuisine in the World. This landmark event, held at the Nairobi National Museum, unveiled a historic culinary exhibition titled "Dining with Italy: 100 Years of Taste and Innovation." The exhibition, described by officials as the first of its kind in Africa, showcases 50 rare Italian menus, meticulously tracing the evolution of Italian cuisine alongside significant political, cultural, and economic shifts over the last century. Curated by Italy's Biblioteca e Museo della Cucina Garum and Menu Associati, the initiative aims to deepen bilateral cooperation between Italy and Kenya across critical sectors such as trade, agriculture, and tourism.

Italy's Ambassador-designate to Kenya, Vincenzo Del Monaco, highlighted the profound connection between food and national identity, stating that the showcase reflects the growing depth of cooperation between the two nations. He emphasized that "Food is culture, identity and innovation," and that the displayed menus illustrate Italy's ability to evolve while remaining true to its roots. This same spirit, he noted, guides Italy's collaboration with Kenya, from agriculture to education, including support for over 30,000 Kenyan coffee farmers under the Mattei Plan for Africa. Ambassador Monaco also shared Italy's ambition for UNESCO recognition of its culinary heritage, asserting that "Italian cooking is a living tradition. It deserves a place on the global map not just as cuisine, but as an expression of our cultural continuity."

Rebecca Miano, Kenya's Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary and Chief Guest at the event, lauded Italy's commitment to cultural diplomacy, acknowledging its complementary role in Kenya's efforts to diversify its tourism offerings. CS Miano underscored the rising importance of gastronomy in global tourism, stating, "Gastronomy has become a major pillar of global tourism. This exhibition is a reminder that food and culture can open doors for investment and deepen mutual understanding." She further emphasized Kenya's readiness to expand its high-value agro-tourism experiences, proclaiming, "Kenya can tell its own story through coffee, tea, macadamia and sisal. We have the heritage, the farms, and the creative talent." Drawing a parallel, she added, "Just as Italy has built iconic wine routes, Kenya has the potential to build tourism products that celebrate our landscapes and our producers."

The launch also featured the unveiling of a Nairobi-made sculptural table titled "Arch, Bridge, Scale, Rainbow of Peace and Work" by world-renowned Italian painter and sculptor Tommaso Cascella. Cascella described his piece as a "dialogue," bringing together Italian imagination and Kenyan craftsmanship, symbolizing the bridge being built between the two peoples. Olympic marathon bronze medallist and 2025 New York City Marathon champion Benson Kipruto, who attended the ceremony, praised the collaboration, noting, "Partnerships like these show that culture and sport can move nations closer."

The exhibition is scheduled to run until December 10, 2025, and is expected to draw thousands of visitors. Complementing the main display, four Italian wine-tasting events will be held in Nairobi, Watamu, and Malindi. These events are designed to highlight Italy's regional diversity and the business opportunities inherent in culinary tourism. The Italian Embassy affirmed that the 2025 Culinary Week signifies its long-term commitment to strengthening trade, expanding cultural ties, and promoting gastronomy as a vital driver of economic growth. Ambassador Monaco reiterated the embassy's simple goal: "To build bridges—cultural, economic and human—between Italy and Kenya. And we will keep investing in that future."