Kenya China Relations
Kenya, China sign landmark deals as relations enter a comprehensive strategic era
Kenya and China have formally elevated their bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in the New Era following President William Ruto’s week-long State Visit to China from April 18 to 26, 2025, at the invitation of President Xi Jinping. The high-level visit marked a pivotal moment for both nations, with more than 20 agreements signed across trade, digital innovation, health, education, agriculture, and infrastructure.
At a time when Kenya is seeking to diversify its international alliances, especially after the imposition of a 10% U.S. tariff on key exports, China remains a vital partner. The visit, characterized by strong diplomatic symbolism and strategic economic cooperation, is part of Kenya’s broader foreign policy recalibration.
Among the standout achievements was China’s renewed support for major infrastructure projects, including extending the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Naivasha to Malaba and developing the Nairobi–Nakuru–Mau Summit Highway. A Memorandum of Understanding on Railway Cooperation will guide legal, technical, and operational reforms to ensure the sustainability and expansion of Kenya’s rail sector. In Nairobi, the deployment of a new Intelligent Transport System aims to reduce traffic congestion and improve commuter experience, while a US$50 million investment in Murang’a County will establish a plant to manufacture traffic lights and other transport equipment, generating up to 5,000 jobs.
Digital transformation was another key focus, with new agreements signed to enhance electronic commerce, cybersecurity cooperation, and support for Kenya’s National Digital Superhighway Programme. Kenya and China will collaborate on policy coordination, capacity building, and joint research in the digital economy. This includes the establishment of a cross-border e-commerce Talent Training Laboratory through a partnership with the Hangzhou Municipal Bureau of Commerce.
Education and capacity development featured prominently in the visit. Several memoranda were signed to strengthen vocational training and leadership development through faculty exchanges, digital training, and the joint development of education standards. China’s Human Resource Development Cooperation Plan for 2025 will provide 670 training opportunities for Kenyan professionals across sectors such as diplomacy, security, journalism, tourism, water management, and cultural heritage preservation.
Agriculture and trade received a major boost through a Framework Agreement on Economic Partnership for Shared Development. This deal seeks to strengthen agricultural transformation and improve Kenya’s competitiveness in global markets. A new protocol on the export of Kenyan aquatic products, including sardines, catfish, oysters, and shrimp, will allow local producers access to the vast Chinese market under strict food safety and traceability standards. This aligns with Kenya’s push to expand agricultural exports beyond traditional markets.
Chinese firms also committed significant investments across several sectors. In agriculture, Shandong Jailejia will establish a US$30 million egg production facility in Kajiado, and Zonken Group will invest US$400 million in an Aloe vera processing plant and vineyard in Baringo County. In manufacturing, China Wu Yi will invest US$150 million to develop a Special Economic Zone in Kilifi, expected to create 5,000 jobs, while Rongtai Steel Company plans to expand steel production for the Affordable Housing Program with another US$150 million investment. The textile sector will benefit from a US$20 million investment by Chongqing Shangcheng Apparel Group in a new factory in Kajiado.
Universal Health Coverage also featured as a priority area, with China pledging support for hospital infrastructure upgrades and investment in Kenya’s pharmaceutical sector. A Memorandum of Understanding on water resources and irrigation was signed to support sustainable water use, flood management, and ecological restoration using advanced ICT tools.
Tourism cooperation saw a boost with Hualian Hotel Group committing US$23 million to expand hotel operations in Kenya and promote the country to Chinese tourists. Meanwhile, cultural and media exchange was reinforced through new agreements between the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation and Xinhua News Agency, as well as between the Ministry of ICT and China Media Group. These pacts aim to promote joint media productions, content sharing, and deeper understanding between the people of both countries.
During a keynote speech at Peking University, President Ruto called for reforms to global governance systems, including the United Nations Security Council and international financial institutions, to make them more inclusive and reflective of global demographics. He emphasized the role of youth, innovation, and education in shaping Africa’s future. The visit also included meetings with Chinese investors in Fujian Province, where discussions focused on opportunities in sectors such as e-mobility and tea processing.
In a joint statement, both governments reaffirmed their commitment to shared prosperity, regional peace, green development, and the principles of multilateralism. China also expressed support for Kenya’s ongoing economic reforms and its peacekeeping efforts in the Horn of Africa.
President Ruto’s visit to China was more than a diplomatic engagement, it was a strategic reorientation. The broad scope of the agreements signed reflects a shared commitment to inclusive development, sustainable trade, and long-term cooperation. As Kenya deepens its South–South partnerships, this new phase of Kenya–China relations mark a defining moment in its foreign and economic policy trajectory.
Understanding the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the Republic of Kenya and the People's Republic of China.
Learning the history of Kenya China Relations
H.E President William Ruto gives lecture at Peking University, Beijing.