President William Ruto concluded his four-day State Visit to China with a strong reaffirmation of Kenya-China cooperation, culminating in the signing of 20 agreements and the announcement of major infrastructure projects.
In a joint statement, President Ruto and Chinese President Xi Jinping declared their commitment to “injecting more stability into the world” through China-Africa solidarity and cooperation.
The statement emphasized protecting the common interests of developing countries and promoting inclusive economic globalization, particularly amid a turbulent international landscape.
President Ruto began his final day by visiting the headquarters of Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL) in Ningde City, where he praised the company’s global leadership in electric vehicle battery production and its contribution to green energy solutions.
He also visited the Ningde Poverty Alleviation Exhibition Hall and lauded the transformation of the region—attributed to the early leadership of President Xi—into a model of poverty reduction through modernization and synergy.
Xi Jinping’s “Vision 3820” Strategic Plan for Fuzhou was also highlighted in an exhibition Ruto toured, showcasing the success of China’s social democracy model.
The visit also included a tour of the Fujian Academy of Building Research, part of FCIC, which has undertaken key infrastructure projects in Kenya.
Kenya remains a key beneficiary of China’s Belt and Road Initiative. As part of renewed cooperation, China will now invest in completing the stalled standard gauge railway to Uganda’s border and expand a major highway from Nairobi to Nakuru through a public-private partnership.
Though specific financial details were not disclosed, previous estimates place the value of the deals in the billions.
Deals Signed By Ruto in China
Kenya has secured over Ksh.126 billion to support key initiatives under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). The funds target manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism.
In manufacturing, Ksh.41.4 billion ($320 million) has been committed. China Wu Yi will receive $150 million (Ksh.19.4B), Rongtai Steel Co. Ltd gets $100 million (Ksh.12.9B), while Chongqing Shangcheng Apparel Group/Pengfeng Investment will get $20 million (Ksh.2.5B).
Kenya Smart Transportation Industry Park, in partnership with Anhui Jiubao Electronic Technology—new to Kenya—will receive $50 million (Ksh.6.4B).
The agriculture sector will receive Ksh.55.6 billion ($430 million). Shandong Jialejia Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Technology Co. will invest $30 million (Ksh.3.8B) in a 100-acre chicken farm in Kajiado County, creating around 500 jobs.
Zonken Group will invest $400 million (Ksh.51.8B) in large-scale aloe cultivation and processing in Baringo County. They also plan apple and grape farming on 72 acres.
In tourism, Ksh.29.7 billion ($230 million) was secured from Hunan Conference Exhibition Group and Huatian Hotel Management Co., both first-time investors in Kenya. They aim to develop hospitality and tourism infrastructure.
The agreements covered various sectors, including science and technology, water resources, intelligent transport systems, vocational education, and e-commerce.
