Deputy President Kithure Kindiki bid farewell to Chinese Ambassador Zhou Pingjian, marking the end of the latter’s four-year tenure in Kenya. The meeting, held at the DP’s official residence in Karen, was a moment of reflection on the longstanding and fruitful relationship between Kenya and China, a relationship that continues to grow and evolve.
During his remarks, Kindiki emphasized Kenya’s prominent role in China’s diplomatic engagement with Africa, reaffirming that the country remains a central partner in China’s Africa strategy. He acknowledged the ambassador’s contribution to fostering closer ties between the two nations and expressed Kenya’s commitment to furthering cooperation with China, aiming for mutual prosperity.
“As Ambassador Pingjian leaves Nairobi following the end of his tour of duty, Kenya looks for more ways of cooperating with China for the prosperity of the people of both countries,” Kindiki stated. He also highlighted that the bond between the two nations has flourished significantly over the last 61 years. The deputy president remarked that the relationship had grown in “leaps and bounds,” particularly in areas of economic and infrastructural development.
The deepening of this relationship is largely attributed to several key projects under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which has facilitated the realization of large-scale infrastructure projects in Kenya. Among the most notable is the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), a flagship project connecting the port city of Mombasa to Nairobi, with ongoing expansions extending to Naivasha and beyond. This railway is poised to reduce transportation costs and enhance connectivity, benefiting both freight and passenger travel, thus contributing to regional trade and integration.
Other landmark projects include the Nairobi Expressway, the Thika Superhighway, the expansion of the Mombasa Port, the extension of Kenya’s power grid, and the ambitious Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor. These projects are seen as a vital component of Kenya’s infrastructure development, boosting trade, improving regional connectivity, and opening new opportunities for economic growth.
Ambassador Zhou Pingjian, during his tenure, was instrumental in advancing these initiatives, with particular focus on enhancing the practical aspects of cooperation under the Forum for China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). In September, while celebrating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Zhou reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with Kenya under the leadership of Presidents Xi Jinping and William Ruto. He stressed that China sees Kenya as a trusted partner in Africa, with the two countries united by mutual respect, shared development goals, and a strategic vision for the future.
Zhou outlined China’s goal of being “three types of partners” with Kenya: sincere partners of mutual trust, cooperative partners of mutual benefit, and strategic partners in upholding fairness and justice. This vision speaks to the broader, long-term goals of the bilateral relationship, with both countries striving to create a framework of mutual respect and tangible benefit for their people.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who was present at the farewell meeting, echoed Kindiki’s sentiments, underscoring Kenya’s deep appreciation for its partnership with China. “Kenya greatly values the strategic partnership with China, which is people-centred, mutually beneficial, and permanent,” Mudavadi said. His statement reflects Kenya’s recognition of the significant role China plays in the country’s development, both in terms of infrastructure and broader economic growth.
The farewell meeting between Kindiki and Zhou Pingjian underscores the significance of Kenya-China relations, which have matured over decades into a mutually beneficial partnership. As Ambassador Zhou returns to China, Kenya looks to further build on this foundation, seeking new ways to enhance cooperation in areas ranging from trade and investment to culture and technology. The diplomatic departure marks not an end, but a new chapter in a relationship that continues to thrive and evolve, ensuring that Kenya remains a key player in China’s African strategy.
