By Abdihakim Siyad

NAIROBI– President William Ruto is scheduled to depart tonight for a state visit to the People’s Republic of China, aimed at deepening the longstanding bilateral relations between the two nations.

According to a statement from State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, the visit will build upon the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established in 2017 through the Belt and Road Initiative. It seeks to advance Kenya’s infrastructure connectivity and economic transformation agenda.

During his visit, President Ruto will hold bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The discussions will focus on shared priorities, including economic growth, sustainable development, and global cooperation.

One of the highlights of the visit will be the Kenya-China Business Forum, which President Ruto will officiate. The forum will bring together over 100 companies from both countries to explore new opportunities in trade, investment, digital innovation, and industrial growth.

Additionally, the Head of State will inaugurate the Kenya Tea Holding Centre in Fujian Province. This center is expected to enhance the visibility and market access of Kenyan tea, support smallholder farmers, and strengthen Kenya’s trade footprint in Asia.

President Ruto will also deliver a keynote address at Peking University, where he will outline Africa’s vision for inclusive growth, transformational leadership, and deeper South-South cooperation.

The visit comes at a time of growing global uncertainty and rising protectionism. Escalating geopolitical tensions—such as the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, the Israel-Gaza conflict, and strained U.S.-China relations—have disrupted international trade flows and heightened economic instability.

Additionally, rising inflation, food insecurity, and debt pressures across many developing nations have prompted countries to prioritize self-reliance and tighten trade policies. This wave of protectionism threatens to slow global cooperation and restrict opportunities for emerging economies.

Against this backdrop, President Ruto’s visit provides a timely opportunity to reinforce Kenya’s position as a reliable trade partner, advocate for open markets, and seek collaborative solutions to regional and global challenges. Discussions will also cover insecurity in the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes Region, where Kenya has made significant diplomatic and military efforts to foster peace and stability.