In a landmark state visit from April 22 to 26, Kenyan President William Ruto made his way to China, igniting a new chapter in the enduring partnership between China and Kenya. During this visit, Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Ruto elevated bilateral relations to a level defined as a "China-Kenya community with a shared future for the new era."
Amid a turbulent global environment, both leaders underlined their commitment to global stability and to championing the interests of developing nations. Their joint statement promoted an inclusive economic globalization, setting a model for broader cooperation between China and Africa. This spirit of solidarity resonates especially as Kenya seeks to diversify its trade amid challenges like the United States' imposition of 10% tariffs on Kenyan exports.
A focal point of the partnership is the alignment of China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects with Kenya's Vision 2030. One standout example is the Mombasa–Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), a transformative project built to Chinese standards using advanced technology. Stretching approximately 480 kilometers, the SGR has revolutionized travel by significantly reducing journey times, bolstered trade, and alleviated road congestion. The railway has already transported more than 7 million passengers and over 20 million tons of cargo, generated upwards of 74,000 jobs, and now contributes over 2% to Kenya's GDP. 🚄✨
As President Ruto remarked during his visit to Peking University, "Our cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative has delivered a flagship infrastructure project that is reshaping national connectivity and regional integration." This bold partnership not only drives economic resilience but also inspires young entrepreneurs, innovators, and culture enthusiasts to dream big and build bridges between communities.
Reference(s):
China-Kenya ties: Strengthening BRI cooperation for shared prosperity
cgtn.com
