President William Ruto has embarked on a high-level state visit to China, aiming to strengthen Kenya’s longstanding diplomatic and economic partnership with the Asian powerhouse. His trip, which runs from April 22 to April 26, 2025, centers around deepening cooperation in trade, infrastructure development, and investment key pillars of Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
This marks Ruto’s first official visit to China since assuming office, and it comes at a time when Kenya is aggressively pursuing foreign partnerships to boost local development and reduce economic disparities. The visit includes meetings with President Xi Jinping and top Chinese government officials, as well as business leaders, to explore avenues for increased collaboration.
A primary focus of the visit is to address the trade imbalance between the two nations. While Kenya imported goods worth $3.8 billion from China in 2024, its exports to China only totaled $233.8 million. President Ruto is pushing for greater market access for Kenyan agricultural products, textiles, and manufactured goods. His administration is also seeking joint ventures with Chinese companies that can create jobs and increase domestic production capacity.
Infrastructure is another cornerstone of this visit. Kenya and China have previously collaborated on large-scale projects such as the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR). Now, the Kenyan government is seeking fresh funding and technical support for the expansion of the SGR, modernization of key road networks, enhancement of port operations in Mombasa and Lamu, and the development of special economic zones.
Chinese firms are also expected to participate in upcoming public-private partnerships, particularly in water, energy, and housing sectors. These projects are designed to not only stimulate economic growth but also improve the standard of living for millions of Kenyans.
President Ruto is also courting Chinese investment in digital infrastructure and renewable energy. Talks are ongoing with major tech firms like Huawei, which are already working with Kenya on expanding broadband connectivity and smart city projects. Additionally, agreements are being explored in green energy initiatives such as wind and solar power key to Kenya’s long-term sustainability goals.
The Galana Kulalu Food Security Project is another area of focus, with China expected to play a supportive role in mechanized farming and irrigation. By enhancing productivity and ensuring food stability, the Kenyan government hopes to shield its population from future shocks and reduce dependency on food imports.
As the visit progresses, both nations are expected to sign several bilateral agreements that will lay the foundation for an even stronger partnership. With China reaffirming its commitment to Africa through the Belt and Road Initiative, Kenya remains a strategic partner in East Africa. President Ruto’s visit is not just diplomatic it’s a proactive economic mission aimed at reshaping Kenya’s future in a globalized world.
