Kenya-China relations expected to reach new heights

Kenyan President William Ruto says his country is keen on strengthening relations with China to spur economic growth.

Ruto also announced that his administration will work closely with China on infrastructure development, climate change, ICT, education and security. He noted that Kenya was particularly focused on the development of roads under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

“Investment in this sector will spur economic growth and create jobs for the people under our Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda,” he said.

The Kenyan President was speaking on Saturday at State House, Nairobi, during a high-level meeting with Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party Of China Central Committee and Director of the Office of Central Committee for Foreign Affairs.

Ruto mentioned that the Government plans to upgrade the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and the ports of Mombasa and Lamu. He said the development of a new Greenfield terminal and a new runway at JKIA, the dualling of Rironi-Naivasha-Nakuru-Mau Summit will elevate the country’s competitiveness.

These projects, Ruto suggested, can be pursued either under the Public-Private Partnerships or Government to Government agreements.

“We are ready to expedite discussions and conclude on details on the proposed projects for implementation,” he added, and assured the Chinese investors of the Government’s commitment to providing security to everyone.

On his part, Mr Yi said China will continue working with Kenya for the two country’s prosperity. He stressed that the Chinese government fully supports President Ruto’s administration and invited him to visit Beijing.