In a bid to deepen their strategic partnership, Kenya and China are collaborating on various development projects aimed at transforming Kenya’s economy and reducing poverty, President William Ruto announced. Speaking during a meeting with Li Xi, a senior member of China’s Communist Party, at State House Nairobi on Monday, President Ruto highlighted the importance of these joint efforts in achieving Kenya’s development goals.
Among the key projects discussed are the Rironi-Mau Summit Road, which is progressing towards implementation, and the ongoing talks regarding the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to Kisumu (SGR 2B) and Malaba (SGR 2C). President Ruto emphasized that the swift implementation of these projects would create jobs, particularly for the youth and women, aligning with Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
Ruto expressed gratitude for China’s continued support of several priority initiatives, such as the Nairobi Intelligent Transport System, equipping technical colleges, and the Bosto Dam Water Project. He also commended the construction of Jamhuri Stadium, which is set to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
In addition, the President invited Chinese private sector investment in key areas such as renewable energy, e-mobility, manufacturing, health, and agriculture. Notable areas of collaboration between the two countries include the Galana Kulalu Food Security Project, the creative economy, and affordable housing. Ruto also encouraged China to support investments in Kenya’s hospitality sector, as the country aims to make Nairobi a regional hub for conventions and tourism.
During the meeting, President Ruto also acknowledged China’s leadership in the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit, which has paved the way for stronger ties between the two nations. Kenya, as a key partner in the Belt and Road Initiative, remains committed to advancing this collaboration across Africa, while also upholding the One China Policy.
Ruto reiterated Kenya’s dedication to South-South cooperation, climate change mitigation, and the reform of international financial systems, particularly to ensure equitable access to affordable development financing for developing nations. He also requested China’s support for Kenya’s bid to join the BRICS group and to elect a Kenyan candidate as the next Chairperson of the African Union Commission.
On the global stage, President Ruto expressed concern over efforts to undermine the status of the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON), stressing that any attempts to relocate key UN agencies such as UNEP and UN-Habitat would contradict the UN’s principles of fairness. He appealed to China for support in endorsing Nairobi as the host city for the Plastics Convention, in addition to UNEP’s headquarters.
The Kenyan President also called for continued Chinese support in peace and security initiatives in regions like Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He urged China to back reforms within the African Union and support Kenya’s efforts to drive institutional change in global multilateral bodies, including the UN Security Council, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund.
In response, Li Xi reassured President Ruto of China’s commitment to fulfilling the agreements made between President Ruto and President Xi Jinping during the FOCAC Summit. Li highlighted China’s determination to partner with Kenya in supporting Vision 2030 and promoting a people-centered approach to national development, focusing on quality education, healthcare, job creation, and environmental protection.
As both countries continue to work together on these vital projects, their partnership stands as a promising example of South-South cooperation aimed at sustainable development and economic transformation in Africa.
