President William Ruto has successfully concluded a significant five-day state visit to China, marking a milestone in Kenya-China relations. The visit, which began on April 22, 2025, culminated in the signing of 20 bilateral agreements aimed at enhancing cooperation in various sectors, including infrastructure, trade, technology, and security.
During his stay in Beijing, President Ruto held high-level discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping and other senior officials. The two leaders agreed to elevate the Kenya-China partnership to a “new level,” emphasizing mutual commitment to development and unity within the Global South .
Key agreements signed encompass areas such as science and technology, vocational education, e-commerce, water resource management, intelligent transport systems, and railway development. Notably, discussions included plans to extend the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Naivasha to the Ugandan border, a project poised to enhance regional connectivity and trade .
In addition to infrastructure, the visit addressed security concerns. Kenya and China signed a Memorandum of Understanding on law enforcement cooperation, targeting transnational crimes like human trafficking, drug smuggling, cybercrime, and wildlife trafficking .
The Kenya-China Business Forum, held during the visit, brought together over 100 companies from both nations to explore investment opportunities in trade, digital innovation, and manufacturing. This forum is expected to foster deeper economic ties and attract significant Chinese investment into Kenya’s economy.
President Ruto’s visit also included discussions on extending the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Naivasha to Malaba via Kisumu, as well as the proposed dualing of the Rironi–Mau Summit highway. These infrastructure projects are pivotal for enhancing regional connectivity and trade .
This state visit signifies a deepening of Kenya-China relations, with both nations expressing a commitment to mutual development and cooperation. President Ruto’s engagements in China are poised to yield substantial benefits for Kenya’s economic growth and infrastructural development.
