Kenya has secured major deals in trade, infrastructure, and strategic partnerships during President William Ruto’s State Visit to China.
According to a statement sent by State House on April 24, 2025, the Chinese government agreed to work with Kenya on implementing strategic connectivity development projects.
These include investments in the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway from Naivasha to Malaba (PhaseII). In addition, China committed to facilitating the expansion and dualing of the Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit Road.
“These include investments in the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway to Naivasha (PhaseII) and from Naivasha to Malaba (Phase III), as well as the expansion and dualling of the Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit-Malaba highway, the Kiambu-Northern Bypass, the Eldoret Bypass, and the construction of Nithi Bridge,” the statement read in part.
According to State House, the cooperation enhances Kenya’s role as a key partner in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and strengthens its position as a regional logistics hub.
The collaboration will integrate East Africa’s transportation network, facilitating greater intra-regional trade. Additionally, China has paved the way for increased private sector investment, which will be directed into these infrastructure projects through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).
Ruto Deals with China
Kenya and China will also collaborate in the rollout of Kenya’s National Digital Superhighway Programme, which involves the expansion of the national fibre optic network.
The agreements also included the Intelligent Transport System and Junction Improvement Project for Nairobi, aimed at revolutionizing traffic management by eliminating human interfaces and streamlining the payment of traffic penalties.
Additionally, both countries agreed to enhance cooperation in road and water infrastructure development.
To help Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, China pledged grants to improve hospital infrastructure and committed to private sector investment in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
During the bilateral meeting, a Framework Agreement on Economic Partnership for Shared Development was signed, laying the foundation for a comprehensive trade deal.
The agreement aims to expand market access for Kenyan exports such as tea, coffee, avocado, macadamia, and other agricultural products.
Additionally, both countries signed financing agreements for the TVET III Project, which is crucial for upgrading TVET institutions and improving technical skills among Kenya’s youth.
Also Read: China Top Official Details Why Ruto’s Visit is a Milestone
Jobs For Kenyans
During the Kenya-China Private Sector Roundtable and Business Forum, President Ruto signed an investment agreement totalling approximately Ksh137 billion (USD 1.06 billion).
These agreements cover key sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure, with the potential to create over 28,000 jobs nationwide.
Other projects include a Special Economic Zone in Kilifi County, expected to generate 5,000 jobs, and manufacturing expansions in Machakos, Murang’a, and Mombasa.
Additionally, agricultural initiatives in Kajiado and Baringo counties, focusing on poultry, aloe, and vineyard cultivation, are set to create 10,500 jobs.
Also Read: Ruto Offers to Serve as Mediator Between US and China
Ruto Deals with China [Full List]
- Extension of the Standard Gauge Railway from Naivasha to Malaba (Phase II & III).
- Expansion and dualling of the Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit-Malaba highway.
- Development of the Kiambu-Northern Bypass, Eldoret Bypass, and construction of the Nithi Bridge.
- Strengthening Kenya’s position as a key partner in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
- Integration of East Africa’s transportation network to facilitate intra-regional trade.
- Increased private sector investment through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) for infrastructure projects.
- Expansion of the national fibre optic network.
- Revolutionizing traffic management and streamlining traffic penalty payments through the Intelligent Transport System and Junction Improvement Project for Nairobi.
- Enhanced cooperation in road and water infrastructure development.
- Pledged grants from China to improve hospital infrastructure and commitment to private sector investment in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
- Laying the foundation for a comprehensive trade deal to expand market access for Kenyan exports like tea, coffee, avocado, macadamia, and other agricultural products.
- Financing agreements for the TVET III Project to upgrade TVET institutions and improve technical skills among Kenya’s youth.
- Ksh137 billion (USD 1.06 billion) in investments across manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure.
- Special Economic Zone in Kilifi County, expected to generate 5,000 jobs.
- Manufacturing expansions in Machakos, Murang’a, and Mombasa.
- Agricultural initiatives in Kajiado and Baringo counties (poultry, aloe, and vineyard cultivation) creating 10,500 jobs.
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