FOCAC is central to the China-Africa relationship, fostering economic, political, and social cooperation that results in mutual benefit. Kenya continues to be a significant beneficiary of this partnership, particularly through four key initiatives: Belt and Road Initiative (BRI); Global Development Initiative; Global Security Initiative; and Global Civilization Initiative.
During discussions with the Ambassadors and the Media, Dr. Korir Singoei, the Principal Secretary, State Department for Foreign Affairs highlighted the transformative economic impact of these cooperation projects across various sectors. He emphasized Kenya’s commitment to advancing BRI cooperation in Africa by sharing the tangible benefits of flagship projects such as the SGR, Nairobi Expressway, and Mombasa Oil Terminal.
Additionally, PS Singoei acknowledged China as a key strategic partner in Kenya’s development agenda, noting that Kenya views itself as an equal partner in this relationship, making FOCAC a success story of South-South cooperation.
“Through FOCAC, cooperation between Africa and China is strategically structured, with programs jointly agreed upon after identifying mutual priority areas. Kenya, like many other African nations, views itself as an equal partner in this relationship with China, exemplifying a successful model of South-South Cooperation,” PS Singoei said.
The BRI Initiative, a vital component of FOCAC, has been particularly influential in Kenya, among other projects like the Nairobi Expressway and the Standard Gauge Railway, which have greatly enhanced Nairobi’s infrastructure and improved regional connectivity. These projects demonstrate how Africa-China cooperation can attract foreign direct investment to develop and manage transport infrastructure, significantly contributing to regional economies through reliable and efficient transport systems.
The Principal Secretary also recognized the role of the China Roads and Bridges Corporation (CRBC), which has been instrumental in implementing BRI projects in Kenya. Specifically, CRBC was responsible for designing, building, financing, operating, maintaining, and eventually transferring the Nairobi Expressway to the government at the end of the concession period.
Beyond infrastructure, FOCAC has facilitated collaboration in various other fields such as Health, Trade and Investment, Tourism, Information Communication and Technology, Education, Digitalization among others. The establishment of Confucius Institutes in Kenya represents a significant step towards cultural exchange and capacity building.
These institutes have played a crucial role in enhancing people-to-people connections, contributing to the broader goal of creating a more interconnected community with a shared future.
Others who participated in the tour were Mr. Mohamed Daghar, CBS, Principal Secretary, State Department for Transport; H.E. Beyene Russom, Ambassador of the State of Eritrea to Kenya and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps; H.E. Zhou Pingjian, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Kenya; High Commissioners, Ambassadors of African Union Member States, senior government officials, and representatives from Kenya Railways Corporation and CRBC Kenya.
This tour underscored the tangible outcomes of the Kenya-China strategic partnership, affirming the shared vision of prosperity and development under the FOCAC framework. As Kenya continues to work closely with China, this partnership remains a cornerstone of mutual growth and a model for other nations within Africa and beyond.