Nairobi – President William Ruto’s state visit to China has culminated in the signing of more than 20 trade agreements and memoranda of understanding, aimed at boosting key sectors of Kenya’s economy. The agreements, signed at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People, cover infrastructure, agriculture, health, education, and ICT, reflecting a deepening partnership between the two nations. President Ruto and his host, President Xi Jinping, witnessed the signing, highlighting the elevation of Kenya-China relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in the New Era.
Key infrastructure projects announced include the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway from Naivasha (Phase II) and onwards to Malaba (Phase III), as well as expansion and dualling of the Nairobi–Nakuru–Mau Summit–Malaba highway, enhancing connectivity to western Kenya. Additional road projects include the dualling of the Kiambu-Northern Bypass, Eldoret Bypass, and Nithi Bridge, alongside the development of 15 rural roads financed through a combination of Chinese government funding and private investors via public-private partnerships. The agreements also reflect China’s support for Kenya’s socio-economic priorities, including a recent grant of 100 million RMB (approximately KSh1.7 billion) for health sector projects and assistance for flood victims.
The visit included official ceremonial welcomes, a 21-gun salute at the Great Hall of the People, and a trip to Fujou City in Fujian Province to explore technological innovations. Local officials in Fujian highlighted growing trade between the region and Kenya, which reached KSh40.8 billion in 2024, and noted that Chinese companies such as China Wu Yi Ltd have played a key role in Kenya’s infrastructure development. Analysts and government officials view the agreements as pivotal in advancing Kenya’s Vision 2030 goals, fostering industrial growth, enhancing regional trade, and creating employment opportunities. President Ruto emphasized that the strengthened partnership will continue to align Kenya’s development agenda with global best practices, promising transformative benefits for the nation’s economic and social progress.