Kenya Joins China in Celebrating 76 Years of Progress and Enduring Friendship

Nairobi, September 29, 2025 — Kenya joined the People’s Republic of China in celebrating the 76th anniversary of its National Day, in a vibrant diplomatic event hosted at the Chinese Embassy in Nairobi. The occasion brought together high-ranking government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the private sector, and other distinguished guests, all united in honouring the strong and growing partnership between the two nations.

Presiding over the celebration, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, delivered a keynote address that emphasized the depth of Kenya-China relations, especially within the broader framework of Africa-China cooperation. He expressed Kenya’s appreciation for China’s unwavering support for Africa’s development and the transformative impact of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) since its inception 25 years ago.

“We value, as Kenya and as Africa, the strong partnership that China has built with the African continent. This relationship has yielded positive resultsespecially in infrastructure, technology transfer, and governance,” said Dr. Mudavadi.

The Prime Cabinet Secretary noted that Kenya continues to benefit from this strategic partnership, reaffirming the government's commitment to advancing major bilateral projects, including the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Naivasha to Kisumu and onward to the Malaba border.

He revealed that a high-level Kenyan delegation is currently in China to negotiate preferential trade arrangements under the newly announced zero-tariff policy by President Xi Jinping. The initiative, which covers 100% of tariff lines for 53 African countries with diplomatic ties to China, is expected to significantly boost Kenya’s exports and enhance trade predictability.

“We believe Africa requires predictable, reliable, and consistent trade arrangements with its partners. We must move from aid dependency to trade-based development,” Dr. Mudavadi said.

The Prime Cabinet Secretary encouraged fellow African countries to also seize the opportunity under FOCAC to accelerate economic independence and regional integration.

“It is upon us—both individually and collectively—to take more seriously any opportunities of consolidating trade arrangements with our development partners,” he added.

Reflecting on broader geopolitical dynamics, Dr. Mudavadi reaffirmed Kenya’s strong commitment to multilateralism, aligning closely with China’s stance on global cooperation.

“The absence of multilateralism is dangerous for humanity. We thank China for standing firm in support of global cooperation.”

In her remarks, Chinese Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Guo Haiyan, highlighted the historical and diplomatic importance of the day, recalling the adoption of UN General Assembly Resolution 2758, which restored the lawful rights of the People’s Republic of China in the UN and reaffirmed the One China principle.

She described the Kenya-China relationship as a “community with a shared future in the new era,” noting that President William Ruto’s recent state visit to China had further elevated bilateral ties.

“The two heads of state witnessed the signing of 20 cooperation documents and issued a joint statement,” said Ambassador Guo. “This partnership stands as an inspiring example in building an all-weather China-Africa community for the new era.”

She also commended Kenya’s active role in engaging with China under FOCAC and emphasized the tangible benefits of bilateral cooperation, including rising Chinese tourism, growing cultural exchanges, and expanding trade.

“You are not just witnesses to this bilateral friendship, but active participants and contributors,” she said, quoting a Kenyan proverb: “If you want to walk fast, walk alone. If you want to walk far, walk together.”

As the ceremony drew to a close, Dr. Mudavadi proposed a heartfelt toast to mark China’s 76 years of nationhood and celebrate the enduring friendship between the two countries.

“To the prosperity of our nations, to our friendship which endures like Mount Kenya, and to the good health of all our distinguished guests and their families—cheers!”

The event was graced by several dignitaries, including H.E. Bayene Russom, Ambassador of the State of Eritrea and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps; Madame Zainab Hawa Bangura, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Nairobi; as well as Cabinet Secretaries, Ambassadors and High Commissioners, and leading figures from Kenya’s business and diplomatic communities.