Kenya and China have officially elevated their diplomatic relations to a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in the New Era,” following bilateral talks between President William Ruto and Chinese President Xi Jinping during Ruto’s inaugural State Visit to China.
The historic upgrade marks a significant milestone in the long-standing Kenya-China relationship, ushering in a new era of cooperation across trade, infrastructure, digital innovation, and sustainable development.
According to Statehouse spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, the high-level talks yielded “significant diplomatic and economic breakthroughs,” including the signing of 20 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering key sectors such as infrastructure, education, science and technology, trade, and cultural exchanges.
Aligning BRI with Kenya’s Development Agenda
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to aligning China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with Kenya’s national development priorities. Among the standout agreements is a commitment by China to co-develop strategic connectivity projects, notably the long-anticipated extension of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Naivasha to Malaba, a critical link to Kenya’s regional trade ambitions.
Other infrastructure deals include the dualing of the Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit–Malaba highway, upgrades to the Kiambu-Northern Bypass, Eldoret Bypass, and the construction of the Nithi Bridge — all of which are poised to boost intra-regional trade and cement Kenya’s position as a regional logistics hub.
Financing and Public-Private Investment Boost
China also pledged to open financing avenues and increase private sector investment through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), accelerating project implementation and deepening economic integration.
In a major educational and youth empowerment boost, the two sides signed financing instruments for the TVET III Project, aimed at equipping Kenya’s technical training institutions and enhancing youth skills for the job market.
China further committed to supporting Nairobi’s Intelligent Transport System and Junction Improvement Project, which aims to modernize the city’s traffic management and reduce congestion through digitized systems.
Digital Economy and Universal Health Coverage Support
In the tech sector, Kenya and China agreed to expand collaboration on the National Digital Superhighway Programme, including the rollout of an expanded national fibre optic network.
Health infrastructure also received a major lift, with China pledging grants to support Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda and private sector investments in pharmaceutical manufacturing, aligned with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
Agricultural Exports and Economic Partnerships
In a boost to Kenya’s exports, both countries signed a Framework Agreement on Economic Partnership for Shared Development, designed to open up the Chinese market to Kenyan agricultural products such as tea, coffee, avocado, and macadamia.
President Xi expressed strong support for Kenya’s ongoing economic reforms and debt sustainability efforts, commending its approach to fiscal discipline and liability management.
Peace, Green Energy, and Regional Stability
The two leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to regional peace, green energy development, innovation, and tourism. President Ruto lauded China’s peace-building efforts in the Horn of Africa, while Xi praised Kenya’s leadership in international peacekeeping, especially its role in the UN Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti.
KSh137 Billion in Private Sector Deals
At the Kenya-China Private Sector Roundtable and Business Forum held on Wednesday, President Ruto witnessed the signing of investment agreements worth KSh137 billion (USD 1.06 billion) across manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure.
These projects are expected to create over 28,000 jobs, with key investments including a Special Economic Zone in Kilifi (5,000 jobs), manufacturing expansions in Machakos, Murang’a, and Mombasa, and agricultural initiatives in Kajiado and Baringo, focusing on poultry, aloe vera, and vineyards.
Fujian Visit to Boost Manufacturing Ties
President Ruto is scheduled to conclude his visit with a stop in Fujian Province, China’s manufacturing powerhouse. There, he will engage with top Chinese industrial leaders in sectors like e-mobility and tea processing, aiming to attract further investments into Kenya’s industrialization drive.
This strategic visit reaffirms Kenya’s growing global stature and its intent to secure transformative partnerships that align with its long-term socio-economic agenda.
