Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia W Mudavadi, has arrived in Beijing to participate in the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
The high-profile event will see Kenya actively lobbying for additional financial and technical support for its key sectors.
Upon arrival, Mudavadi was warmly received by Kenya’s Ambassador to China, H.E. Willy Bett, and the Chinese Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Zhou Xingjian.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary’s visit comes ahead of President William Samoei Ruto’s scheduled address at the triennial forum.
President Ruto is expected to co-chair a significant session on the Belt and Road Initiative, a key global development strategy initiated by China.
One of the highlights of the forum will be President Ruto’s bilateral talks with China’s President, H.E. Xi Jinping.
The discussions will focus on strengthening the long-standing bilateral relations between Kenya and China, with a particular emphasis on expanding cooperation in critical areas.
Among the key projects up for consideration is the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway from Naivasha to Kisumu and Malaba, a vital infrastructure project aimed at enhancing regional connectivity and trade.
Additionally, the two leaders will discuss the construction of rural roads across Kenya, the Nairobi Intelligent Transport System, the Bosto Dam Water Supply Project, and the upgrading of equipment in technical and vocational training (TVET) workshops.
These projects are crucial components of Kenya’s development agenda and are expected to receive significant attention during the forum.
Beyond the infrastructure discussions, President Ruto will engage in bilateral meetings with other Heads of State and Government from various African nations.
These meetings aim to foster regional cooperation and advance Kenya’s bid for the Chair of the African Union Commission.
Furthermore, President Ruto is set to meet with major Chinese corporations to advocate for increased investment in Kenya’s infrastructure, healthcare, and technology sectors.
He will also participate in the China-Africa Entrepreneurs Conference, which serves as a platform for African and Chinese business leaders to explore investment opportunities in key sectors such as infrastructure, health, manufacturing, ICT, e-mobility, agriculture, and value addition.
