President William Ruto’s state visit to Beijing reached a historic milestone on Thursday as he and Chinese President Xi Jinping presided over the signing of a sweeping array of bilateral agreements under a “Win-Win” partnership framework. The high-profile ceremony, held at the Great Hall of the People, marked a significant step in strengthening Kenya-China ties across multiple strategic sectors.
At the center of the agreements is a pivotal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Blue Economy, Fisheries, and Maritime Affairs, aligning Kenya with the WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement. This move aims to boost coastal livelihoods, create jobs, and promote sustainable ocean resource use.
Infrastructure remained a key pillar of the partnership. Kenya secured major development pledges under China’s Belt and Road Initiative, including funding for the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway, dualling of key highways like Rironi-Mau Summit, and upgrades to roads across the country. Urban mobility projects, such as Nairobi’s Intelligent Transport System Phase III and the expansion of Eldoret City roads, also featured prominently.
Kenya’s science and tech sectors will benefit from a new MoU on Scientific and Technological Cooperation, while an agreement on digital policy, cybersecurity, and AI lays the groundwork for a tech-driven economy. E-commerce, digital talent training, and media partnerships with entities like China Media Group and Xinhua were also cemented.
Healthcare, vocational training, agriculture, climate action, and cultural exchanges were included in the multi-sectoral accords. These encompass feasibility studies for hospital upgrades, irrigation projects to bolster food security, and enhanced collaboration between the National Museums of Kenya and China’s Natural History Museum.
In diplomacy, an agreement was signed for the construction of Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters. Visa process reforms, anti-smuggling protocols, and capacity-building initiatives were also agreed upon to modernise Kenya’s immigration and security frameworks.
This wide-ranging diplomatic achievement positions Kenya as a key African partner in China’s global development agenda, while advancing President Ruto’s vision for a connected, tech-savvy, and economically robust Kenya.
