The expansion of Kenya’s infrastructure dominated discussions between President William Ruto and Chinese President Xi Jinping during their meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on September 3, 2024. The talks focused on the extension of key transport routes, including the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and major highways, which are set to enhance regional connectivity.
President Ruto highlighted the importance of extending the SGR from Naivasha to Uganda, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Congo Brazzaville. He emphasized that this expansion would link the Indian Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean, creating a crucial trade corridor across Africa. Additionally, Ruto underscored the significance of the Rironi-Mau Summit-Eldoret-Malaba dual carriageway project in easing the movement of goods and passengers to western Kenya and beyond.
Ruto also noted the dualling of the Muthaiga-Kiambu road as a priority and urged for the completion of necessary procedures by the end of the year. He expressed gratitude to the Chinese government for its ongoing support in various projects, including Nairobi’s Integrated Transport System, the equipping of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges, Bosto Dam, and the dualling of the Northern Bypass in Nairobi.
The President commended China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), stating that it has significantly contributed to Kenya’s transport infrastructure development, including the SGR, Kipevu Oil Terminal, and the Nairobi Expressway. “Kenya remains committed to realizing the full potential of the Belt and Road Initiative to enhance national, regional, and continental connectivity,” Ruto said.
The meeting between Ruto and Xi took place ahead of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit, which is expected to further strengthen ties between the two nations.
President Xi praised the partnership between Kenya and China, noting that it has resulted in several flagship connectivity projects that have spurred economic and social development in Kenya and the wider region. He expressed optimism that the FOCAC summit would offer new opportunities to align development strategies and elevate the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between Kenya and China.
Under President Ruto’s leadership, Xi acknowledged Kenya’s progress in economic reforms and pledged continued support for various sectors, including education, renewable energy, research, and ICT. He also highlighted China’s RMB2 billion (Sh34 billion) loan to fund the construction of rural roads, benefiting 70% of Kenya’s population.
President Ruto emphasized the importance of the LAPSSET corridor projects, such as the Lamu-Garissa-Isiolo road, which are expected to boost investment in Kenya’s northern and northeastern regions and neighboring countries. He also expressed Kenya’s keen interest in accessing resources from the Chinese financial market, particularly through the issuance of the Panda Bond.
Kenya’s recent membership in the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) was hailed as a significant step toward unlocking concessional financing for infrastructure and climate change efforts. “The AIIB membership will provide much-needed capital for development in our country,” Ruto said.
He called on China to encourage its private sector to participate in the Panda Bond issuance and lauded China’s leadership in promoting South-South Cooperation, which he said is key to unlocking Africa’s potential in harnessing mineral and non-mineral resources, renewable energy, and the demographic dividend.
