Kenya-China Relations Deepen with 20 Agreements on Infrastructure & Trade

Posted on : Friday , 2nd May 2025

During his first state visit to China, President William Ruto secured multi-billion shilling agreements aimed at enhancing Kenya-China relations, which have now been elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in the New Era. The visit led to the signing of 20 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering infrastructure, trade, education, digital economy, science and technology, and cultural cooperation.

China committed to financing key infrastructure projects in Kenya, including the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Naivasha to Malaba, upgrades to the Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit highway, Eldoret Bypass, Kiambu-Northern Bypass and the construction of the Nithi Bridge. These initiatives aim to strengthen Kenya’s position as a regional logistics hub under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Investments will be channelled through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), with additional support pledged for Nairobi’s Intelligent Transport System and Junction Improvement Project to enhance traffic management. China will also support Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage plan through grants and promote private sector investment in hospital and pharmaceutical infrastructure.

Other areas of cooperation include expanding the National Digital Superhighway Programme and boosting Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) through the TVET III Project. Kenyan goods like tea, coffee, avocados, and macadamias now have greater access to markets following the signing of a new Framework Agreement on Economic Partnership.

President Ruto also oversaw the signing of $1.06 billion (Sh137 billion) worth of investment deals during the Kenya-China Private Sector Roundtable, targeting sectors like manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism. The visit concludes with Ruto touring Fujian Province to engage with Chinese industrial leaders in e-mobility and tea manufacturing, reinforcing Kenya’s role as a strategic BRI and trade partner.