Newly appointed Chinese Ambassador to Kenya, Guo Haiyan, has pledged to deepen the enduring friendship and strategic partnership between China and Kenya. During her presentation of credentials to President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi, Guo emphasized her commitment to fostering mutually beneficial collaboration across various sectors.
A seasoned diplomat with extensive experience in African affairs, Guo outlined her priorities, including the implementation of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC)-Beijing Action Plan for 2025–2027. She succeeds Ambassador Zhou Pingjian and inherits a robust relationship between the two nations, bolstered by large-scale infrastructure projects such as the Standard Gauge Railway and the Nairobi Expressway.
Guo expressed her intent to advance the agreements reached during the 2023 FOCAC Summit in Beijing. At the summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced a $51 billion financial assistance package to support development initiatives across Africa. These initiatives extend beyond infrastructure to include agriculture, technology, and education, aimed at fostering sustainable growth across the continent.
“During my tenure, I will faithfully fulfill my duties and exert my best efforts to strengthen the strategic mutual trust, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation between our two countries, and enhance the friendship between our peoples,” she said.
Accompanied by Zhang Zhizhong, the Chinese embassy’s Charge d’Affaires, Guo reassured President Ruto that Kenya stands to benefit significantly from the FOCAC outcomes. Her mission is to ensure the successful realization of the shared goals outlined by the leaders of both nations, which include fostering a “China-Kenya community with a shared future.”
Kenya is among the key beneficiaries of China’s extensive development initiatives in Africa, with past projects like the Nairobi Expressway symbolizing the success of Sino-Kenyan collaboration. Guo aims to build on this foundation by leveraging her diplomatic experience to drive growth in agriculture, education, and technology in Kenya.
Guo’s appointment marks a significant milestone as Kenya and China celebrate 61 years of diplomatic relations. Her vast experience, spanning over two decades, includes roles such as Third Secretary Deputy Director and Counsellor Deputy Director in the Department of African Affairs at China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She also served as ambassador to Guyana from 2021 before assuming her current role.
“China takes great pride in its relations with Kenya and stands ready to work with Kenya to implement the consensus reached by our two leaders,” Guo remarked. She expressed confidence in receiving strong support from President Ruto and his administration to advance her agenda.
As the 18th Chinese ambassador to Kenya, Guo Haiyan’s tenure is set to further cement the partnership between the two nations, ensuring tangible benefits for both countries’ people while strengthening their strategic cooperation.
