President Ruto Heads to China to Strengthen Trade, Investment and Infrastructure Ties
President William Ruto is set to depart tonight for a high-level State Visit to China, in a move aimed at deepening bilateral ties and expanding opportunities in trade, investment, and infrastructure development.
According to a press statement issued by State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, the President’s visit is anchored on enhancing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Kenya and China, which was established in 2017.
Kenya remains China’s top partner in Africa under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), having already collaborated on transformative infrastructure projects such as the Standard Gauge Railway and the Nairobi Expressway.
During his visit to Beijing, President Ruto is expected to hold bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The discussions will revolve around economic transformation, sustainable development, and strengthening global cooperation.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei, speaking to The Star in Beijing, highlighted Kenya’s goal to negotiate a more sustainable financing model with China. With increasing global interest rates and pressure on the Kenyan shilling, the government is pushing for a shift from traditional loans to public-private partnerships (PPPs).
President Ruto will also officiate the Kenya-China Business Forum, a key engagement that brings together over 100 companies from both countries. The forum will spotlight opportunities in trade, investment, digital innovation, and industrial development.
In a move to promote Kenyan agricultural exports, the President will open the Kenya Tea Holding Centre in Fujian Province, one of China’s most prominent tea-producing regions. The centre aims to boost the global visibility of Kenyan tea, improve market access, and empower smallholder farmers by expanding Kenya’s trade footprint in the Asian market.
President Ruto is also scheduled to deliver a keynote address at Peking University, where he will share Africa’s perspective on inclusive growth, progressive leadership, and South-South cooperation.
“Kenya and China will continue aligning high-quality BRI cooperation with Kenya’s national development priorities,” Mohamed emphasized. The collaboration will focus on turning Kenya into a leading industrial and logistics hub for the East African region.
Beyond trade, the five-day visit will also include high-level discussions on regional peace and security. Topics will include promoting stability in the Greater Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes Region, as both nations reaffirm their commitment to multilateral cooperation.
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President Ruto Heads to China to Strengthen Trade, Investment and Infrastructure Ties