President William Ruto has held bilateral talks with President Xi Jinping during his inaugural State Visit to the People’s Republic of China.
The talks yielded significant diplomatic and economic breakthroughs, strengthening cooperation across trade, investment, infrastructure, and sustainable development.
Discussions between the two leaders focused on key priorities such as trade expansion, investment promotion, and development cooperation. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to aligning the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with Kenya’s national development agenda.
Kenya-China relations were elevated to a ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in the New Era’ and marked by the signing of 20 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and other frameworks of cooperation covering sectors such as infrastructure, trade, education, digital economy, science and technology, people to people exchanges and cultural cooperation.
During the extensive engagement between the leaders, China agreed to work with Kenya on implementing strategic connectivity development projects. These include investments in the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway to Naivasha (PhaseII) and from Naivasha to Malaba (Phase III), as well as the expansion and dualing of the Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit-Malaba highway, the Kiambu-Northern Bypass, the Eldoret Bypass and the construction of Nithi Bridge.
The meeting witnessed the signing of financing instruments for the implementation of the TVET III Project, which is critical for equipping TVET institutions and enhancing technical skills among Kenya’s youth. It also included the Intelligent Transport System and Junction Improvement Project for Nairobi, aimed at revolutionising traffic management by eliminating human interfaces and streamlining the payment of traffic penalties.
Kenya and China also committed to further collaboration in the rollout of Kenya’s National Digital Superhighway Programme, which involves the expansion of the national fibre optic network. Additionally, both countries agreed to enhance cooperation in road and water infrastructure development. In support of Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, China pledged grants to improve hospital infrastructure and committed to private sector investment in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
A key highlight of the bilateral meeting was the signing of a Framework Agreement on Economic Partnership for Shared Development, laying the groundwork for a comprehensive trade deal. This agreement aims to expand market access for Kenyan exports such as tea, coffee, avocado, macadamia, and other agricultural products.
China commended and expressed support for Kenya’s ongoing efforts on liability management through sustained economic reforms to create the fiscal space necessary for sustainable development.
The two Presidents reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation in green energy, innovation, tourism, and regional peace. President Ruto acknowledged China’s support for peace and stability in the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes Region, while President Xi lauded Kenya’s contribution to the UN Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti. Both leaders emphasised the importance of a peaceful and rules-based international order.
During the Kenya-China Private Sector Roundtable and Business Forum, President Ruto oversaw the signing of investment agreements worth approximately Ksh137 billion (USD 1.06 billion). These deals span key sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure, and are expected to generate over 28,000 jobs across the country.
Notable projects include a Special Economic Zone in Kilifi County (expected to create 5,000 jobs) and manufacturing expansions in Machakos, Murang’a, and Mombasa. Agricultural initiatives in Kajiado and Baringo counties, focusing on poultry, aloe, and vineyard cultivation, are projected to generate 10,500 jobs.
On Friday, President Ruto will visit Fujian Province, a key manufacturing powerhouse in south-eastern China known for its vibrant industrial base and rich tea heritage. During this visit, he will engage with leading Chinese manufacturers, particularly in the e-mobility and tea sectors, among other industries, to pitch investment opportunities in Kenya’s growing manufacturing ecosystem.
Read: List of Goodies Kenya Could Get During Ruto’s 5-day Visit to China
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