Written By Lisa Murimi
President William Ruto is turning to China to breathe life into Kenya’s stalled infrastructure projects.
With the government facing a Ksh1.2 trillion budget gap, China has offered a Ksh 40 billion loan, pushing its total lending to Kenya beyond Ksh 900 billion.
This financial support comes just before Ruto’s scheduled visit to Beijing, indicating a renewed reliance on Chinese financing amid strained relations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The significance of this loan cannot be understated, as it arrives at a time when the government urgently needs funds to jumpstart projects in 15 counties.
These projects, stalled due to financial constraints, are vital for regional development but have been a source of frustration for local communities.
National Assembly Budget Committee Chair Ndindi Nyoro confirmed that contractors would resume work by September.
He acknowledged the government’s struggles with mounting pending bills, particularly in the roads sector, and highlighted the importance of completing these critical infrastructure projects.
As Ruto prepares for the China-Africa Cooperation Summit, his administration’s approach to balancing Kenya’s growing debt with its development needs will be closely scrutinized.
The Chinese loan offers immediate relief but also deepens Kenya’s financial ties to Beijing.
