Kenya President William Ruto said the country continues to strengthen its cooperation with China in a spirit of partnership and shared progress.

He noted that the growing presence of Chinese enterprises in Kenya reflects their confidence in the nation’s stability and their readiness to expand investment.

Ruto highlighted the China Exim Bank as a central pillar of this collaboration, recognizing its long-standing support for major infrastructure projects and the development of Kenya’s technical and vocational education programmes.

Kenya and China have enjoyed strong bilateral relations for decades, marked by deep cooperation in trade, infrastructure, energy, telecommunications, and capacity-building.

Under previous administrations, China financed flagship projects such as the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), major highways, energy installations, and digital infrastructure.

China is also one of Kenya’s largest trading partners and a key investor in manufacturing and construction, with the relationship anchored in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This partnership has played a major role in Kenya’s modernization drive and regional connectivity efforts.

On Thursday, President Ruto hosted a delegation from the China Exim Bank led by Chairman Chen Huaiyu, accompanied by Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guyo Haiyan.

Discussions focused on strengthening the foundations of the bilateral relationship and Kenya’s new roadmap for transforming into a first-world economy.

The roadmap outlines key priorities: expanding energy generation to 10,000 MW, constructing 50 mega dams to support irrigation and food security, and delivering transformative infrastructure.

This includes dualling 2,500 km of highways, building 20,000 km of roads, expanding airports and ports, and extending the Standard Gauge Railway to the Uganda border.

Ruto said these priorities present significant opportunities for deeper partnership, investment, and collaboration with China, the China Exim Bank, and Chinese private-sector enterprises.

He also posted on social media, highlighting the visit as a milestone in Kenya-China relations and sharing his vision for the country’s ambitious development roadmap.