In April 2025, Kenyan President William Ruto embarked on a state visit to China, making him the first African head of state to visit the world’s second-largest economy since the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held in Beijing the previous year.
This landmark visit has reinforced the vital bilateral ties between China and Kenya while opening a new chapter in their cooperation.
Kenya, an economic powerhouse in East Africa, plays a crucial role in China’s Belt and Road Initiative, a position reaffirmed during Ruto’s discussions with President Xi Jinping. Together, they announced the creation of a China-Kenya community with a shared future, marking a significant step forward from the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership established in 2017.
The visit led to the signing of 20 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and frameworks to enhance cooperation across trade, education, investment, infrastructure, the digital economy, science, technology, and cultural collaboration. Major agreements include investments in key transport projects like the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway and the dualing of critical highways – efforts met with enthusiasm across Kenya.
Ruto’s visit solidifies Kenya’s status as a key partner in the Belt and Road Initiative and strengthens regional logistics and intra-regional trade, positioning China-Kenya cooperation at the forefront of Sino-African relations.
Take the Standard Gauge Railway as an example. It’s not just about moving goods and people; it’s a catalyst for regional integration, positioning Kenya as the hub of East Africa.
Both nations are committed to driving integrated development in infrastructure and industries through major projects like the SGR, fostering China-Africa industrial cooperation and building a network prioritizing land-sea links.
Additionally, China is opening doors for greater private sector investment via Public-Private Partnerships, accelerating growth and strengthening economic ties.
A newly signed Framework Agreement on Economic Partnership aims to boost market access for Kenyan exports, including tea, coffee, and avocados, ensuring mutual growth.
The two sides also announced investment agreements totalling about Ksh 137 billion in key sectors like manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism and are set to create thousands of jobs across Kenya.
China has excelled in agriculture and poverty reduction initiatives, offering vital lessons for Kenya. By the end of 2020, the Chinese government declared that 99 million farmers in China had been lifted out of extreme poverty, providing much for Kenya to learn. The two parties have agreed to further strengthen cooperation in areas such as industry, agriculture, higher education, vocational education, and human resource training. Kenya will benefit from China’s invaluable experience in rural poverty alleviation and other sectors.
This visit also signifies the growing importance of Kenya and China’s shared stance in global affairs. Kenya supports China’s position on various international issues and maintains consistency with Beijing on matters such as climate change and global economic governance. Ruto’s visit not only highlights Kenya’s backing of China’s role on the international stage, but also creates opportunities for future collaboration in multilateral institutions like the United Nations. Both nations agreed to firmly uphold an international system centred around the U.N., with an order based on international law and the fundamental norms that guide international relations as outlined in the U.N. Charter.
Additionally, China and Kenya reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing the representation and voice of the Global South within the international system.
Cultural and educational exchanges were key components of the visit. Cooperation in education has grown over time, with more Kenyan students choosing to study in China, immersing themselves in the language and culture. At the same time, China is helping Kenya develop technical talents, especially in information technology, engineering, and medicine. To promote people-to-people exchanges and encourage mutual visits—particularly among young people—the two nations plan to host a China-Kenya Cultural and Tourism Season in 2025. Both sides will actively support the Year of China-Africa People-to-People Exchanges in 2026, and work is underway for a China Cultural Center in Kenya.
Through this visit, China and Kenya have further strengthened their friendship and identified diverse, far-reaching opportunities for cooperation in the context of globalization.
As the global economic landscape evolves, Kenya’s partnership with China is poised to energize the future development of both countries. With initiatives in infrastructure development, strategic collaboration, and people-to-people exchanges, the partnership between China and Kenya will play a pivotal role in fostering mutual prosperity and regional stability. This visit signals the beginning of a new chapter in China-Kenya cooperation.
Eric Biegon is a multimedia journalist at Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC)
