The Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Kenya, Guo Haiyan, has reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Kenya’s development goals.
Speaking during the opening of a job fair jointly organized by Chinese and Kenyan enterprises at the University of Nairobi, the ambassador highlighted the 60-year China-Kenya partnership, which is rooted in mutual respect, skills development, and people-centred growth.
“Chinese companies are not just building infrastructure – they are creating careers, skills, and opportunities for Kenyan youth,” she stated, citing the strong turnout at the job fair as evidence of the growing impact of China-Kenya cooperation.
Over 60 Chinese and Kenyan companies participated in the event, offering more than 1,700 job opportunities in fields such as engineering, ICT, finance, logistics, and project management. According to the ambassador, the job fair, dubbed the “LEAP Job Fair,” “is a clear reflection of the dynamic and evolving economic relationship between the two nations, and the practical benefits it delivers to Kenyans, especially the youth.”
Ambassador Guo noted that over 200 Chinese enterprises are currently operating in Kenya, significantly contributing to infrastructure development, technology transfer, and employment creation.
“These companies employ more than 60,000 Kenyans and actively support local initiatives in education, healthcare, and environmental protection,” she added.
She reiterated China’s support for inclusive and sustainable development, urging Chinese companies in Kenya to adopt a long-term vision and strengthen their social responsibility efforts.
“China always advocates for development that is inclusive, people-centred, and sustainable,” she said.
Chinese enterprises driving skills and careers
Yu Xiaodong, President of the Kenya-China Economic and Trade Association (KCETA) and General Manager of China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC Kenya), commended Kenya’s commitment to youth empowerment.
He pointed out that Kenya is at a critical stage of development, with a strong emphasis on youth empowerment and industrial growth, and highlighted that Chinese enterprises have made significant contributions to Kenya’s progress. Major projects, such as the Standard Gauge Railway, Nairobi Expressway, and various energy and water initiatives, have created jobs and improved lives.
“Chinese enterprises are responding actively by hiring locally and investing in skills development. KCETA, now with 104 member companies, is committed to supporting Kenya’s Vision 2030 and building a closer China-Kenya community,” he stated.
He underscored the significant contributions of Chinese firms, such as KEDA Ceramics, which has invested over $120 million and created 54,000 jobs, and AVIC International, which has supported 154 vocational institutions and trained over 50,000 Kenyan youth.
“KCETA will continue promoting inclusive, merit-based hiring and stronger partnerships with training institutions,” Mr Yu stated.
Building the digital superhighway and future skills
A major player in the fair, Huawei Technologies Kenya Chief Executive Officer Gavin Gao reiterated the company’s commitment to advancing Kenya’s digital economy.
“We don’t just build networks — we empower people. Through the LEAP framework (Leadership, Employability, Advancement, Possibility), we are addressing the key drivers of employment in a digital era,” he said.
Noting that Kenya has taken the right path towards development, he said global broadband expansion has the potential to create up to 24 million jobs by 2030, many of which will benefit young people. He stated that Huawei is ready to make a significant contribution in this regard.
“In Kenya, we are laying that foundation by providing infrastructure, training, and access,” Gao added.
Huawei’s efforts include advanced ICT skills training for over 7,000 students annually, as well as the DigiTruck programme, which has trained more than 8,000 rural youth across 37 counties. The company has also developed partnerships with over 60 universities and technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions, including joint initiatives with the ICT Authority and the Ministry of ICDE.
Kenya’s commitment to a skilled, youth-driven future
Speaking during the event, Kenya’s Deputy President Kithure Kindiki praised the role of Chinese enterprises in Kenya’s development, highlighting President William Ruto’s administration’s dedication to digital transformation and youth empowerment as key pillars.
“Technology, youth, and partnerships are the engines of future economies. Our government is creating an enabling environment to position Kenya as Africa’s preferred talent hub. We applaud partners who align with our Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda,” he stated.
China-Kenya partnership and shared development
Ambassador Guo Haiyan highlighted the signing of the Framework Agreement on Economic Partnership for Shared Development, referencing President Ruto’s recent state visit to China. She affirmed that the agreement lays the groundwork for a future bilateral trade pact and increased Chinese investment in priority sectors such as manufacturing, ICT, green development, and agriculture.
Ambassador Guo stressed the vital role of education and skills training in promoting long-term development. She said initiatives such as the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme have already benefited over 50,000 Kenyan youth, with support extended to 154 training institutions and more than 300 instructors.
“Education and skills training are not only about finding jobs — they are about empowering people to build their nation,” she said. “We believe all stakeholders — governments, businesses, universities, and vocational institutions — must work together to nurture a skilled, future-ready workforce.”
The ambassador reaffirmed China’s unwavering support for Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, asserting that these shared objectives will continue to shape the future of China-Kenya cooperation.
