President William Ruto and former prime minister Raila Odinga have arrived in Beijing ahead of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit slated for September 4-6, 2024.
The two leaders, who are part of a high-profile delegation of African leaders attending the summit, arrived in Beijing aboard a Kenya Airways plane on Monday evening.
As captured in the colorful images he shared after touching down, Ruto assumed a casual yet classic look donning a Tommy Hilfiger sweatshirt, jeans, and white sneakers.
Raila, who was closely following the head of state from behind, was in his favourite navy blue Kaunda suit and a cowboy hat.
Taking to X, Ruto said the summit presents an opportunity for Africa to renew and strengthen its partnership with China.
"Arrived in Beijing for the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit. The meeting presents an opportunity for Africa to renew and strengthen its partnership with China.
Over the years, China has proven to be a true development partner, significantly revamping our infrastructure. We look forward to leveraging these ties to accelerate our transformation," said Ruto.Importance of China-Africa Summit to Kenya
The visit to China is expected to bring substantial benefits to Kenya through a series of strategic agreements and partnerships. Key outcomes include a strengthened Kenya-China relationship, with both nations committing to a shared future.
The visit is set to result in agreements on crucial infrastructure projects, including the construction of rural roads, the Nairobi Intelligent Transport System, the Bosto Dam Water Supply Project, and the third phase of upgrading equipment in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) workshops.
Additionally, discussions are expected to conclude on new cooperation projects, such as the extension and completion of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Naivasha to Kisumu and Malaba, as well as the dualling of the Nairobi Northern Bypass.
Talks will also commence on establishing a pharmaceutical park and negotiating a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) and an Investment Protection Agreement (IPA) between Kenya and China.
