Kenya and China Pledge to Strengthen Cooperation for Economic Growth

Kenya is determined to bolster its partnership with China to drive economic growth and development in the country.

President William Ruto emphasized the government’s commitment to collaborating with China on various key areas, including infrastructure development, climate change, ICT, education, and security.

Notably, Kenya is particularly focused on advancing road projects under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, with the aim of spurring economic growth and generating employment opportunities as part of its Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.

During a high-level meeting at State House, Nairobi, on Saturday, President Ruto discussed Kenya’s plans to upgrade critical infrastructure. The development of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), along with the ports of Mombasa and Lamu, were among the key priorities.

The proposed projects include a new Greenfield terminal and runway at JKIA, as well as the dualling of Rironi-Naivasha-Nakuru-Mau Summit, all of which are expected to enhance the country’s competitiveness.

President Ruto expressed readiness to accelerate discussions and finalize the implementation details for these projects, which can be pursued through Public-Private Partnerships or Government-to-Government arrangements.

Furthermore, he assured Chinese investors of the government’s commitment to providing a secure and conducive environment for their investments in Kenya.

In response, Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Director of the Office of Central Committee for Foreign Affairs, pledged China’s continued collaboration with Kenya to promote prosperity in both countries.

China assured Kenya of its willingness to consider the Kenyan government’s priority areas of interest and reiterated full support for President Ruto’s administration.

Moreover, Yi extended an invitation to President Ruto to visit Beijing, reinforcing the significance of the bilateral relationship between Kenya and China in driving mutual growth and development.