President William Ruto has hailed China as an important partner in Kenya’s development agenda.
In a statement, President Ruto appreciated the interest shown by China in Kenya’s development projects and promised to continue with the partnership.
“China is a valued partner in Kenya’s development journey. We shall stay the course of partnership, collaboration, and cooperation for the mutual advancement of both nations and our citizens,” said Ruto.
Further, President Ruto urged Chinese businesspeople to invest in projects that will expedite the realization of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda in Kenya.
Speaking during the Kenya-China Investors’ Roundtable in Beijing, China, Ruto asked the investors to explore opportunities that will facilitate growth in agriculture and agro-industrial manufacturing, the micro, small and medium-sized enterprise sector, affordable housing, universal healthcare, the digital superhighway, and creative economy.
Additionally, he said the government is implementing a diversified investment model consisting of county aggregation industrial parks to unlock the vast industrial potential at the grassroots throughout the country.
“I encourage you to pay close attention to these diverse investment opportunities and move quickly to take advantage of them,” he said.
The President assured the investors that the Government has put in place robust measures to improve the business environment in the country to enhance private investments.
“Kenya has established a strong public-private partnership (PPP) framework, with robust policy instruments and other measures to protect investments and minimize risk across every sector,” he added.
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Ruto woos Investors
The President told the Chinese investors to use Kenya’s competitiveness, geostrategic location, and stability as their gateway to access the huge African market.
According to Ruto, investment in Kenya will give investors access to the East Africa Community market with a population of four hundred million and the Common Market for East and Southern Africa with a population of six hundred million people.
Additionally, he noted that the Africa Continental Free Trade Area – AfCFTA will give them access to a market of 1.2 billion people in Africa.
“I welcome more companies to take advantage of the emerging opportunities in Kenya, East Africa and Africa by taking the first step into Kenya,” he said.
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SGR Extension
President Ruto has announced plans to connect the East African coast and the west African coast using the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).
Speaking during the Kenya-China investment forum in Beijing, China President Ruto revealed that Kenya is seeking funds to extend SGR from Naivasha to Kenya-Uganda border in Malaba.
“The reason we are discussing with China on extending the SGR beyond Naivasha into Uganda, DRC and Congo is because we want the eastern coast of Africa to the western coast of Africa using the SGR,” said Ruto.
Ruto said he has held talks with the Presidents of the three countries regarding the extension of the SGR.
Further, he explained that this is a joint bid with Uganda, DRC and Congo which seeks to extend SGR to Kampala and Kasese in Uganda heading through Mpondwe near DRC.
President Ruto said negotiations have begun towards a joint bid that involves Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Congo are seeking to improve the flow of cargo and make the Northern corridor competitive.
“We have all agreed on the need to extend this piece of infrastructure as a means of facilitating trade across our continent and making sure that companies operating in Kenya also have access to the East African market,” said Ruto.
Additionally, Ruto explained that this project will allow goods from Mombasa Port to Uganda, DRC, South Sudan and Rwanda to be transported via rail.
