Kenya is actively seeking China’s backing to enhance its role as a multilateral hub within the Global South, particularly focusing on bolstering the United Nations (UN) institutions based in Nairobi. Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary (PS) Korir Sing’oei emphasized that the expansion of the UN’s Nairobi facilities, especially the UN-Habitat headquarters, is central to Kenya’s ambition to serve as a key diplomatic and development gateway in Africa and the Global South.
During a visit to Beijing, Sing’oei highlighted the strategic importance of Kenya’s hosting role in multilateral organizations. “Kenya plays a central role in multilateralism as the seat of UN-Habitat and other UN agencies,” he stated, underlining the country’s potential to strengthen international cooperation. Sing’oei revealed that the UN has already committed $300 million toward expanding the Nairobi-based facilities, with hopes that China will help mobilize additional resources and enhance visibility. This expansion, he said, would benefit not only Kenya but the wider African continent.
Kenya’s diplomatic efforts are not limited to multilateralism alone. President William Ruto, who is on a four-day visit to China, is aiming to deepen bilateral ties with Beijing, focusing on economic transformation, sustainable development, and global cooperation. The visit will feature talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Kenya-China Business Forum, which will bring together over 100 companies to explore opportunities in trade, digital innovation, and industrial growth.
Moreover, education cooperation is also a key aspect of Kenya’s relationship with China. Discussions are ongoing with Tongji University in Shanghai to establish an elite engineering college in Kenya, further solidifying academic collaboration between the two nations. In addition, Kenya is advocating for the recognition of Kenyan English proficiency, which would facilitate the recruitment of more Kenyan teachers in China.
As Kenya seeks to expand its influence on global issues such as peace and security in the Greater Horn of Africa, strengthening ties with China will play a vital role in advancing Kenya’s multilateral agenda.
