The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Kenya hosted a reception on Monday to celebrate the 76th anniversary of the founding of modern China.
Ambassador Guo Haiyan pledged to deepen cooperation with Kenya under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to expedite Kenya’s development agenda.
Speaking at the event, which was attended by senior government officials, diplomats, and international dignitaries, Ambassador Guo highlighted the progress made over the 62 years of China-Kenya relations, underscoring Beijing’s commitment to supporting Nairobi’s ambitions in infrastructure, trade, and innovation.
“Since the establishment of diplomatic ties, our two nations have respected and supported each other. We have built our cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative into a hallmark of bilateral relations,” Ambassador Guo stated.
“Together, we are working to make the China-Kenya Community with a Shared Future for the New Era an inspiring example for Africa and the Global South,” added the envoy.
She stressed that the Belt and Road and FOCAC frameworks remain central to delivering tangible benefits for Kenyans, adding that China will work with Kenya to ensure the recently announced zero-tariff measures are implemented swiftly.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of FOCAC, which Ambassador Guo described as a “cornerstone of mutual development and joint prosperity.” She pointed to President Xi Jinping’s announcement in June that China would extend zero-tariff treatment to 100% of tariff lines for 53 African countries, including Kenya, as evidence of Beijing’s willingness to open its markets wider to African goods.
“China will work with Kenya to ensure our peoples can benefit sooner from our cooperation,” she affirmed.
Ambassador Guo also highlighted China’s new global commitments, particularly President Xi Jinping’s recently proposed Global Governance Initiative (GGI), alongside the Global Development Initiative (GDI) and the Global Security and Civilization Initiatives, describing these as platforms for shared progress.
“China will always stand ready to safeguard world peace, contribute to global development, and promote a more just and equitable global governance system,” she said.
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi echoed the ambassador’s sentiments, praising China’s transformation and the impact of its partnership with Kenya.
“Kenya treasures its enduring friendship with China, built on mutual respect, shared values, and fruitful cooperation under FOCAC,” Mudavadi remarked.
“We remain committed to advancing a ‘Shared Future’ with China, one that promotes multilateralism, mutual growth, and prosperity for our people,” said Mudavadi.
Mudavadi lauded Beijing’s support in areas ranging from infrastructure to cultural exchange, noting that such cooperation strengthens continental progress. He also commended Ambassador Guo and the Chinese Embassy for hosting “a vibrant gathering that reflects the warmth and growing partnership between our countries.”
As both nations look ahead, Ambassador Guo reaffirmed China’s principle of “sincerity, real results, amity, and good faith” in Africa, assuring Kenya of continued support in realizing its development aspirations under Vision 2030 and beyond.
“Embracing China is embracing opportunities, believing in China is believing in a better tomorrow, and investing in China is investing in the future,” she stated.
President William Ruto made a state visit to Beijing earlier this year, during which 20 cooperation agreements were signed, including projects under BRI and FOCAC, signalling a new phase of strategic partnership between China and Kenya.
