Kenyan President William Ruto has departed for a State Visit to China, aiming to deepen economic, trade, and infrastructure ties between the two nations.
This visit marks a significant step in strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established in 2017.
Kenya, a key African partner in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), has already seen transformative infrastructure projects like the Standard Gauge Railway and Nairobi Expressway under the collaboration.
During his stay in Beijing, President Ruto will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping for bilateral discussions centred on economic transformation, sustainable development, and international cooperation.
A major highlight will be the Kenya-China Business Forum, bringing together over 100 companies to explore new ventures in trade, digital innovation, and manufacturing.
In a bid to boost agricultural exports, the President will also inaugurate the Kenya Tea Holding Centre in China’s Fujian Province—an important tea-producing region. The centre is expected to elevate the visibility of Kenyan tea in Asia, benefiting smallholder farmers and opening up broader market access.
Additionally, President Ruto will deliver a keynote speech at Peking University, outlining Africa’s path toward inclusive growth and stronger South-South cooperation.
The visit also aims to align high-quality BRI cooperation with Kenya’s development goals, focusing on building an East African industrial and logistics hub. Broader discussions with Chinese leaders will include peace and security in the Horn of Africa and enhancing multilateral engagement globally.
