President William Ruto bid adieu to the outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Kenya, Zhou Pingjian, commending him for his outstanding contributions to strengthening the ties between Kenya and China over the past four years. During his tenure, Pingjian has played a pivotal role in fostering a robust partnership, particularly in areas such as infrastructure development, education, transport, and water projects, all of which have had a lasting impact on Kenya’s growth.
President Ruto expressed his gratitude, recognizing Pingjian’s exceptional work in advancing the bilateral relations between the two nations. “Our cooperation has yielded massive development in infrastructure, education, transport, and water projects,” the President said, underscoring the transformative role China has played in Kenya’s development. He pointed out key projects such as the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), superhighways, and bypasses, as well as the construction and equipping of technical colleges, all of which stand as testaments to the flourishing relationship between Kenya and China.
The departure of Ambassador Pingjian marks the conclusion of a four-year tenure as China’s top diplomat to Kenya, the 17th envoy since the two countries established diplomatic relations 61 years ago. His time in office saw Kenya solidify its position as a key partner in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), with numerous infrastructural projects carried out under this collaboration. As Kenya continues to benefit from China’s investment in the country, the long-standing diplomatic ties between the two nations remain strong, with a focus on mutually beneficial development.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, alongside Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, also took the opportunity to highlight Pingjian’s instrumental role in enhancing Kenya-China relations. Kindiki expressed his appreciation, stating that Pingjian had played a crucial role in advancing the people-to-people and government-to-government friendships between the two nations. “In the period of Kenya’s friendship with China, which goes back 61 years, much progress has been made under the Belt and Road Initiatives, and significantly impactful infrastructural projects have been realized through bilateral programs,” he noted.
Kindiki also acknowledged Pingjian’s efforts in elevating Kenya’s position in China’s diplomatic engagement with Africa, particularly through the Forum for China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). This platform has been a key avenue for strengthening bilateral cooperation, with Kenya playing an active role in shaping the discussions and outcomes. At the 2023 FOCAC summit in Beijing, Kenya’s leadership was highlighted, marking another milestone in the partnership between the two nations.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi extended his appreciation for Pingjian’s dedication to Kenya’s development, emphasizing that Kenya-China relations continue to be a model of strategic partnership based on mutual benefit and people-centered collaboration. Mudavadi highlighted the importance of the partnership in driving economic growth and creating transformative opportunities for the citizens of both countries. He expressed optimism about the future of Kenya-China relations, stating, “Together, we will lay the foundation for an even closer Kenya-China community with a just and prosperous shared future.”
Pingjian’s departure marks the end of an era in Kenya-China relations, but it also sets the stage for continued collaboration. He leaves behind a legacy of strong diplomatic ties that have seen China become one of Kenya’s most significant partners in development. His work has helped create an environment of mutual respect and cooperation that will serve as the foundation for future engagements.
As Ambassador Pingjian embarks on his next chapter in Beijing, his contributions to Kenya’s growth and the deepening of Sino-Kenyan relations will not be forgotten. His tenure will be remembered as a period of fruitful collaboration, paving the way for even greater opportunities for both countries in the years to come.
