NAIROBI– Kenya and China are working together in the implementation of development projects in the country to realise the two countriesβ strategic partnership.
The President said Kenya is eager to reap the benefits of the projects to enhance transformative development and alleviate poverty.
He pointed out that discussions are at an advanced stage over the Rironi-Mau Summit Road, while talks are going on over the extension of SGR 2B (Naivasha to Kisumu) and SGR 2C (Kisumu-Malaba).
βSwift project implementation will create jobs, especially for our youth and women, aligning with our Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda,β he said.
He spoke during a meeting with Mr Li Xi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Secretary of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection at State House, Nairobi.
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Kenya and China are working together in the implementation of development projects in the country to realise the two countries'β¦ pic.twitter.com/xNhfEbqzKN
— State House Kenya (@StateHouseKenya) November 4, 2024
The President thanked China for supporting priority projects, including the Nairobi Intelligent Transport System, equipping technical colleges, and the Bosto Dam Water Project.
He commended China for the ongoing work on Jamhuri Stadium, which is set to host AFCON in 2027.
The President also welcomed the Chinese private sector to invest in renewable energy, e-mobility, manufacturing, health and agriculture.
βKey areas of collaboration include the Galana Kulalu Food Security Project, the creative economy and affordable housing,β he said.
He also urged China to facilitate cooperation between Kenya and the business community.
βKenya seeks Chinaβs support to encourage Chinese private sector investment in Kenyaβs hospitality sector, furthering our aim to make Nairobi a regional convention hub,β he added.
President Ruto commended China for successfully hosting the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), which has charted a new path for a robust partnership in modernisation.
βAs a key country for the Belt and Road Initiative, Kenya is committed to promoting this partnership in Africa and upholding the One China Policy,β he said.
The President further affirmed Kenyaβs support for shared commitments over South-South Cooperation, climate change mitigation and the reform of the international financial architecture and make it easy for developing countries to equitably access affordable development financing.
President Ruto also requested Chinaβs support for Kenyaβs bid to join BRICS and for the election of Kenyaβs candidate to the position of African Union Commission chairperson.
President Ruto expressed concern over attempts to undermine the status of the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON), the sole UN headquarters in the developing world, over attempts to relocate Nairobi-based UN agencies, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat).
He emphasised that such actions contravene the UNβs commitment to procedural fairness.
He appealed for Chinaβs support in endorsing Nairobi as the host city for the Plastics Convention alongside UNEPβs headquarters.
The President said Kenya seeks continued Chinese support for peace and security initiatives in Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and the DRC.
He also called on China to back institutional reforms of the African Union, including the AU Commission, Pan African Parliament and the African Court of Justice.
President Ruto emphasised the need for collaboration between Kenya and China in reforming multilateral institutions, including the UN Security Council, and international financial institutions such as the World Bank and the IMF.
On his part, Mr Li said China is committed to implementing the agreements that were reached between Presidents Ruto and Xi during the FOCAC Summit.
βChina will work with Kenya to support programs and projects in line with Vision 2030,β he said.
Mr Li emphasised Chinaβs support for a people-centred approach to national development, including the provision of quality education and healthcare, job creation, and environmental protection and preservation.
