Kenya, China sign 20 trade deals during state visit

By PCS

President William Ruto’s State Visit to China has yielded more than 20 trade agreements and memoranda of understanding aimed at improving various sectors of the economy.

President Ruto and his host, President Xi Jinping, witnessed the signing of the agreements at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

The trade agreements aim to boost road infrastructure, agriculture, health, education, and ICT sectors, among others.

During the meeting, the two leaders agreed on the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway from Naivasha (Phase II) and from Naivasha to Malaba (Phase III).

They also agreed on the expansion and dualling of the Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit- Malaba highway, which connects Nairobi to western Kenya.

Additionally, they agreed on the dualling of the Kiambu-Nothern Bypass, the Eldoret Bypass, and construction of the Nithi Bridge.

Part of the financing for the projects will come from the Government of China, while the rest will come from private investors under public-private partnerships.

Additionally, the Chinese government and private investors said were  ready to finance another 15 roads in the country.

“I look forward to aligning Kenya’s political and socio-economic priorities, strengthening our comprehensive strategic partnership, and learning from China’s remarkable journey of transformation in governance, economic development, and global leadership,” President Ruto said during a joint press briefing with President Xi Jinping before the signing ceremony.

Reflecting the growing trade ties, he said the Kenya- China relations have been elevated to a “comprehensive strategic partnership in the new era.”

President Ruto thanked the Chinese government for the 100 million rmb (KSh1.7 billion) recent grant to support various projects, especially in the health sector.

Further, he also thanked his hosts for their support for victims of flooding a year ago.

“This meeting is not just between two leaders but two nations whose histories run deep, whose spirits run proud, and whose futures, I believe, are intertwined in friendship and shared progress,” President Ruto said.

The documents on bilateral cooperation between Kenya and China were signed by officials of the two countries in the presence of the presidents.