Kenya is set to benefit from several major infrastructural projects that China has committed to finance.
The projects are the fruits of President William Ruto’s inaugural State Visit to the People’s Republic of China where he held bilateral talks with President Xi Jinping.
State House, in a statement, said, Kenya-China relations were elevated to a ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in the New Era’ and marked by the signing of 20 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and other frameworks of cooperation covering sectors such as infrastructure, trade, education, digital economy, science and technology, people to people exchanges and cultural cooperation.
Which projects will China finance in Kenya?
During the extensive engagement between Presidents Ruto and Xi Jinping, China agreed to work with Kenya on implementing strategic connectivity development projects. These include investments in the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway to Naivasha (Phase II) and from Naivasha to Malaba (Phase III).
The expansion and dualing of the Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit–Malaba highway, the Kiambu-Northern Bypass, the Eldoret Bypass and the construction of Nithi Bridge were also factored in.
“This cooperation cements Kenya’s role as a key Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and regional logistics partner, while integrating East Africa’s transportation network and enhancing intra-regional trade,” read part of a statement by State House spokesperson Hussein Mohammed.
Additionally, China has opened the door for increased private sector investment, which will be channelled into the infrastructure projects through Public-Private Partnerships.
In the education sector, Kenya and China signed financing instruments for the implementation of the TVET III Project, which is critical for equipping TVET institutions and enhancing technical skills among Kenya’s youth.
It also included the Intelligent Transport System and Junction Improvement Project for Nairobi, aimed at revolutionising traffic management by eliminating human interfaces and streamlining the payment of traffic penalties.
Kenya and China also committed to further collaboration in the rollout of Kenya’s National Digital Superhighway Programme, which involves the expansion of the national fibre optic network.
Both countries also agreed to enhance cooperation in road and water infrastructure development.
In support of 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.
Investment agreements signed after Kenya-China Private Sector Roundtable
During the Kenya-China Private Sector Roundtable and Business Forum, President Ruto oversaw the signing of investment agreements worth approximately KSh 137 billion.
These deals span key sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure, and are expected to generate over 28,000 jobs across the country.
Notable projects include a Special Economic Zone in Kilifi County (expected to create 5,000 jobs) and manufacturing expansions in Machakos, Murang’a, and Mombasa. Agricultural initiatives in Kajiado and Baringo counties, focusing on poultry, aloe, and vineyard cultivation, are projected to generate 10,500 jobs.
