Kenya Secures Ksh23.5B China Exim Loan to Modernize Transport Network

Kenya has secured a Ksh 23.5 billion (US$185 million) concessional loan from the Export-Import Bank of China to modernize its transport network and improve traffic management across major road corridors.

The agreement was signed by National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi and Zhu Jia, deputy general manager of the Sovereign Business Department at China Exim Bank, on Wednesday, November 26, 2025.

The loan will support the implementation of the Intelligent Transport System (ITS) project, a key component of Kenya’s integrated transport management plan.

Once operational, the ITS is expected to ease congestion, improve traffic flow, enhance road safety through real-time surveillance, reduce travel times, and enable digital enforcement of traffic rules.

The project will also strengthen the digital foundation for future smart city services.

President William Ruto, who met a delegation from China Exim Bank led by Chairman Chen Huaiyu in Nairobi on Thursday, November 27, 2025, emphasised that the continued expansion of Chinese enterprises in Kenya reflects growing confidence in the country’s stability and investment environment.

“The China Exim Bank remains a central pillar of this collaboration, and we value its sustained support for major infrastructure projects as well as the growth of our technical and vocational education programs,” Ruto said.

Chen Huaiyu reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation, noting China’s continued interest in fostering economic and trade partnerships that deliver tangible benefits to Kenyans. He said the ITS project will deepen bilateral ties and contribute meaningfully to Kenya’s broader development agenda.

The initiative is part of Kenya’s broader push to modernise critical transport corridors, enhance mobility, and promote long-term sustainable development.