Kenya, China Deepen Strategic Partnership with New Trade Deals and Development Commitments
These include infrastructure, agriculture, education, health, green energy, the blue economy, and information and communication technology (ICT).
Kenyan President William Ruto [Left] with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Photo/William Ruto.
By Robert Assad
President William Ruto has reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to its long-standing strategic partnership with China, describing it as “permanent, people-centered, and delivering tangible, sustainable benefits” for both nations.
Speaking after a high-level bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, President Ruto announced the signing of 20 new trade agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at boosting Kenya’s economic sectors.
The new agreements, signed under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, are expected to inject significant Chinese investment into key sectors of Kenya’s economy.
These include infrastructure, agriculture, education, health, green energy, the blue economy, and information and communication technology (ICT).
“Our Chinese partners have committed significant resources that will go a long way in modernizing our road networks, enhancing agricultural productivity, and promoting clean energy,” said President Ruto. “These investments will also support the creation of jobs for our youth and unlock the vast potential of our nation.”
President Ruto emphasized that the agreements mark a new chapter in Kenya-China relations, underscoring China’s continued support for Kenya’s economic transformation.
He noted that these partnerships are not just government-to-government but also people-centered, with a focus on improving the livelihoods of ordinary Kenyans.
In addition to economic cooperation, the two leaders discussed global diplomacy and international governance. They pledged to strengthen collaboration among countries of the Global South and called for reforms in global institutions such as the United Nations Security Council.
“We agreed on the importance of amplifying the voice of developing nations in international fora,” said Ruto. “The current global systems must evolve to reflect the realities of today’s world.”
The signing ceremony in Beijing is part of President Ruto’s ongoing efforts to expand Kenya’s global partnerships and attract foreign investment, particularly in sectors that align with Kenya’s Vision 2030 and Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
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