Nairobi – Kenya’s partnership with China reached new heights during the 9th Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit held in Beijing from September 4 to 6, 2024. President William Ruto, leading Kenya’s delegation, held high-level discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping, emphasizing shared goals for sustainable development, trade expansion, and regional connectivity. The summit culminated in the adoption of the FOCAC-Beijing Action Plan 2025–2027, providing a roadmap for cooperation across infrastructure, agriculture, health, and green development, aligning closely with Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
Key moments of the summit included bilateral talks between President Ruto and Xi Jinping, as well as engagements with other African leaders to strengthen regional ties. Significant agreements signed during the event included expanded market access for Kenyan agricultural produce, the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), and construction of 15 rural roads through a 2 billion Renminbi credit facility from the China Development Bank. Kenya also formalized its membership in the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), opening doors to concessional financing for infrastructure, climate initiatives, and technology projects. President Ruto co-chaired the Belt and Road Initiative session alongside China’s Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, underscoring the strategic impact of the BRI on Kenya’s role as a transport and logistics hub in East Africa.
Reactions from Kenyan officials highlighted the transformative potential of these partnerships. Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi praised the agreements for enhancing Kenya’s industrial and technological capacities while boosting job creation and investor confidence. Analysts noted that the summit positions Kenya as a pivotal player in Africa-China relations and strengthens the country’s influence in regional development discussions. Looking ahead, Kenya aims to leverage these agreements to deepen trade, attract investment, and accelerate infrastructure projects, ensuring that benefits reach both urban centers and rural communities. The government has emphasized that continued engagement with China and other international partners will support Kenya’s Vision 2030 goals and reinforce its role as a regional economic and innovation hub.