Kenya and China Strengthen Strategic Ties During State Visit
Beijing, China – On April 24, 2025, Kenyan President William Ruto met with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing to discuss deepening cooperation between the two nations. Both leaders emphasized their commitment to building a China-Kenya community with a shared future for the new era, highlighting the 62-year history of diplomatic relations grounded in mutual respect and support.
Xi Jinping praised the enduring friendship between China and Kenya, underscoring the importance of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as a key driver of shared development. He stressed that China and Kenya should continue to cooperate on trade, investment, infrastructure, science and technology, and people-to-people exchanges. Xi also emphasized the need to safeguard national sovereignty, promote multilateralism, and work together to ensure global fairness, stability, and sustainable development, particularly within the Global South.
President Ruto affirmed Kenya’s dedication to the one-China policy and acknowledged China’s support in national development, citing projects such as the Mombasa-Nairobi Railway. He highlighted Kenya’s commitment to mutual benefit, multilateral cooperation, and the promotion of economic, social, and cultural partnerships. Ruto pledged to work with China to advance modernization processes, strengthen trade and investment, and implement the outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit.
During the visit, the two countries signed 20 cooperation agreements spanning high technology, infrastructure, trade, education, culture, and media. The meeting was marked by formal ceremonies, including a guard of honor, 21-gun salute, and state banquet attended by Xi Jinping, his wife Peng Liyuan, William Ruto, and his wife Rachel Ruto, alongside Chinese State Councilor Wang Yi.
The summit reaffirmed the shared vision of Kenya and China as long-term strategic partners, committed to fostering inclusive development, stability, and prosperity in Africa and the wider Global South.