President William Ruto will jet out of the country for his highly anticipated state visit to China on Monday night, April 21, 2025.
In a statement by State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, the head of state is expected to use the visit to the Asian nation to strengthen the comprehensive partnership established in 2027.
In the over seven years of cooperation, Kenya has emerged among the leading beneficiaries of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which played a key role in advancing infrastructural development in the country.
“The visit builds on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established in 2017, with Kenya recognised 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,” the statement read in part.
High-level meetings
According to the State House communique, Ruto is expected to hold talks with President Xi Jinping on matters of economy, development, and global cooperation.
He will also officiate the Kenya-China Business Forum, bringing together over 100 companies from both countries to explore new opportunities in trade, investment, digital innovation, and industrial growth.
“As part of efforts to boost Kenya’s agricultural exports, he will inaugurate the Kenya Tea Holding Centre in Fujian Province. Situated in one of China’s key tea regions, the center will enhance the visibility and market access of Kenyan tea, support smallholder farmers, and strengthen Kenya’s trade footprint in Asia,” the statement explained.
Further, Ruto will deliver a keynote address at Peking University, where he will highlight Africa’s vision for indusive growth, leadership, and deeper South-South cooperation.
In winding up his visit, the head of state is also lined up to engage with the Chinese leadership on global and regional matters, advocating for enhanced multilateral cooperation. Discussions will also address peace and security in the Great Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes Region.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi is among the top leaders from Kenya Kwanza who will accompany Ruto during his engagements in China.
“Kenya and China will continue aligning high-quality BRI cooperation with Kenya’s national development priorities, focusing on building a robust industrial and logistics hub for East Africa.”
The visit comes at a time when China and the US are engaged in a bitter fallout over tariffs. The Donald Trump administration slapped Xi Jinping’s administration, which reciprocated with other duties.