China and Kenya on Monday reaffirmed their long-standing friendship and expanding cooperation during the China-Kenya Readers Forum on Xi Jinping: The Governance of China publication, where senior leaders from both nations hailed the newly released Volume V as a vital guide for development especially in the Global South.
Speaking as the keynote guest, Mr. Mo Gaoyi, Deputy Head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of the State Council Information Office, described the new volume as a “comprehensive reflection of China’s governance philosophy” and a valuable resource for nations pursuing modernization based on their local conditions.
“The book clearly outlines how deeper reform drives high-quality development. As the paramount task for advancing Chinese modernization on all fronts, high-quality development depends on our commitment to deeper comprehensive reform. All five volumes of “Xi Jinping: The Governance of China” dedicate an entire chapter to this subject, reflecting President Xi’s unwavering determination to steer China towards deeper reform and high-quality development,” he said
The forum, held at a hotel in Nairobi, brought together representatives from government, academia, think tanks, youth groups, and the media from both countries. It also took place just days before the 62nd anniversary of China–Kenya diplomatic relations, marking a new phase in the strengthening of bilateral ties.
Mr. Mo said Volume V elaborates on the “core engines” driving Chinese modernization, particularly deepening reforms, advancing technological innovation, and fostering new quality productive forces.
“The book affirms that win-win cooperation is essential for building a China-Africa community with a shared future, and this goal, in itself, is an essential requirement of Chinese modernization,” he said noting that Kenya and China are partners for shared development as seen through joint initiatives ranging from infrastructure to agriculture.
“Our cooperation is increasingly focused on poverty reduction, industrial empowerment, and capacity building, pillars that align closely with the ideas contained in Volume V.” he remarked
Mo also underscored the book’s sharp focus on green development, describing China’s rapid expansion of renewable energy and environmental rehabilitation as a path other developing nation can adapt.
He added that China’s green transition demonstrates that development and environmental protection can advance together, and that China continues to play a leading role in global climate commitments.
The visiting Chinese government official further highlighted how China-Kenya cooperation has evolved into a partnership for shared development. According to Mo, China stands ready to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with Kenya and Africa.
“We will work together to implement the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative, and Global Governance Initiative, advance high-quality cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, and deliver on the 10 partnership actions for modernization. New advances in Chinese modernization will offer more opportunities to Africa, as we work together to write a new chapter in the all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era,” he said
Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy William Kabogo, said the release of Volume V offers Kenya and Africa an opportunity to deepen their understanding of China’s governance model at a time when both sides are expanding cooperation in technology, youth empowerment, digital governance and innovation.
He quoted the book’s affirmation that “the people’s wish for a happy life is our mission,” adding that this vision aligns with Kenya Kwanza administration’s Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
“The newly released volume offers insight into how China views its journey of modernization, reform, and global engagement. It places people firmly at the center of governance, captured clearly in the statement that, and I quote, the people’s wish for a happy life is our mission, end of quote. This is a principle that resonates deeply with our own aspirations as Kenya,” he said
“We are committed to expanding opportunity, strengthening public service, and improving the welfare of every Kenyan household. China’s journey reminds us that meaningful progress requires constant reform and adaptation. President Xi reminds us that, reform and opening up is always an ongoing task and will never end,” added Kabogo
The Cabinet Secretary highlighted President William Ruto’s state visit to Beijing early in the year as a turning point that unlocked new areas of collaboration between the two countries in digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, e-government, and technical training. Beyond physical development, Kabogo stressed the forum’s importance in nurturing intellectual and cultural exchange.
“By studying different experiences, we enrich our own thinking and open the door to more meaningful cooperation. As we reflect on the ideas contained in the governance of China, let us engage with curiosity and respect. Let us draw insights that speak to Kenya’s context while recognizing the value of continued dialogue between our people,” he said
Addressing the forum, Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan said the expanding translations and global reach of The Governance of China reflect the world’s keen interest in understanding China’s governance philosophy and its impact on global development.
She noted that Volume V reinforces President Xi Jinping’s core ideas on: A shared future for mankind, people-centered development, win-win cooperation as well as global initiatives for development, security, civilization and governance.
Ambassador Guo reiterated that China and Africa’s cooperation is practical and mutually beneficial, pointing to transformative achievements such as nearly 100,000 km of roads, 10,000 km of rail, and major port and industrial projects built through China–Africa partnership.
“The facts speak clearly. China and Africa cooperation is pragmatic and mutually beneficial, delivering real benefits to our people. China will always be Africa’s most reliable partner on its path to modernization. With the 2.8 billion people of China and Africa advancing together in the spirit of mutual benefits, an even brighter future is certain to unfold,” remarked the Ambassador
She stressed that modernization is “the inherent right of all nations,” echoing a key message from Volume V, that development must be fair, inclusive, peaceful and people-centered.
The ambassador urged Kenya and African countries to continue engaging with the text as a tool for exchanges of governance experience, public administration, economic transformation and cultural dialogue.
“We must work together to put the four global initiatives into practice and advance the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, ensuring steady and lasting progress of humanity,” she said
