Ruto eyes infrastructure talks during China visit

President of Kenya William Ruto talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer during a Bi-Lateral meeting at United Nations on September 25, 2024 in New York, New York.[AFP]

President William Ruto is leaving tonight for a five-day State visit to China.

In a statement on Monday, Hussein Mohamed, State House Spokesperson, said the visit will strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established in 2017, which recognised Kenya as China's leading Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) partner in Africa.

"Kenya has played a central role in advancing regional infrastructure and connectivity, with flagship projects such as the Standard Gauge Railway and the Nairobi Expressway significantly transforming its economic landscape," stated Mohamed.

During his visit, the President will hold bilateral talks with President Xi Jinping to discuss economic transformation, sustainable development, and global cooperation.

President Ruto will also officiate the Kenya-China Business Forum, bringing together over 100 companies.

He will later initiate the Kenya Tea Holding Centre in Fujian Province.

The centre is anticipated to help in boosting Kenya's agricultural exports following its strategic location in China's key tea region.

The President will later deliver a keynote address at Peking University, highlighting Africa's vision for inclusive growth, leadership, and South-South cooperation.

Kenya has expressed commitment to continuous alignment with the Chinese-led global infrastructure development strategy-Belt and Road Initiative to build a robust industrial and logistics hub for East Africa.

President Ruto will further engage with the Chinese leadership on global and regional matters, advocating for enhanced multilateral cooperation and security in Africa.