China and Kenya Deepen Strategic Ties, Pledge Stronger China-Africa Partnership

China and Kenya have officially upgraded their bilateral relationship, committing to stronger strategic cooperation during Kenyan President William Ruto’s first state visit to China. In a meeting held in Beijing on Thursday, Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Ruto pledged to enhance their nations’ partnership by fostering what they called an “all-weather” China-Africa community.

President Xi described the move as a significant step toward reinforcing unity and development between China, Africa, and the broader Global South. “In the face of a turbulent international situation,” Xi emphasized, “China and Kenya have chosen to lead the way in deepening China-Africa ties and strengthening cooperation among developing nations,” according to a media pool report.

Africa has remained central to Xi’s flagship Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), launched in 2013, which aims to expand China’s economic and geopolitical reach through massive infrastructure investments across the globe. Kenya has been a key partner in this initiative, receiving substantial Chinese funding for major projects. Chief among them is the modern railway line connecting the coastal city of Mombasa to Kenya’s interior, which has transformed regional transport and logistics.

The Kenyan government is now seeking additional Chinese support to extend this railway to the Ugandan border, further integrating East Africa’s transport networks. However, this comes amid growing concerns over Kenya’s national debt. China is currently Kenya’s largest bilateral lender, and the country continues to grapple with the financial burden of servicing its external loans.

President Ruto, who assumed office in September 2022, has vowed not to default on Kenya’s debt. His administration has committed to fiscal discipline, pledging to reduce government waste and increase revenue collection to meet its obligations.

The visit marks a key diplomatic milestone for President Ruto and signals Nairobi’s continued alignment with Beijing’s development vision, particularly at a time when global alliances are being reshaped.

—Reporting by Liz Lee and Beijing Newsroom; Writing by Farah Master; Editing by Himani Sarkar and Kate Mayberry.