By Dorothy Musyoka
President William Ruto departed for the People’s Republic of China on a landmark State Visit aimed at unlocking new avenues of cooperation in trade, investment and infrastructure development between Kenya and China.
The visit builds on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership forged in 2017, which recognized Kenya as a key partner in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in Africa.
Over the years, Kenya’s role has been pivotal in advancing regional infrastructure and connectivity, with transformative projects like the Standard Gauge Railway and the Nairobi Expressway reshaping the nation’s economic landscape.
According to a press released by the State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohammed, while in Beijing, President Ruto is scheduled to hold high-level bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The discussions will center on shared ambitions in economic transformation, sustainable development, and enhanced global cooperation.
One of the highlights of the visit will be the Kenya-China Business Forum, which President Ruto will officiate.
The forum will convene over 100 companies from both countries, providing a platform to explore fresh opportunities in trade, investment, digital innovation, and industrial growth.
To further boost Kenya’s agricultural exports, the President will inaugurate the Kenya Tea Holding Centre in China’s Fujian Province.
“As part of efforts to boost Kenya’s agricultural exports, he will inaugarate the Kenya Tea Holding Centre in Fujian Province,” read the statement.
Located in one of the country’s premier tea regions, the Centre is set to increase the visibility and market access of Kenyan tea, support smallholder farmers, and expand Kenya’s footprint in the Asian market.
President Ruto will also deliver a keynote speech at Peking University, articulating Africa’s vision for inclusive growth, youth empowerment and deeper South-South collaboration.
Throughout the visit, Kenya and China will reaffirm their commitment to high-quality BRI cooperation, aligning infrastructure priorities with Kenya’s development agenda.
Discussions will also focus on strengthening multilateral partnerships and enhancing regional stability, particularly in the Greater Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes Region.
This visit marks a significant step in advancing Kenya’s global diplomacy and economic strategy, deepening a partnership that continues to shape the continent’s development trajectory.