Kenya has inked 20 pacts with China to bolster their diplomatic and development ties.
The agreement establishes substantial investments in transformative projects across infrastructure, green energy, health, education, culture, ICT, the job market, and the Blue Economy.
President William Ruto, alongside his counterpart, President Xi Jinping, witnessed the signing ceremony held at the Great Hall of the People of Beijing yesterday.
The major signings which align with the Belt and Road Initiative cooperation include the extension of Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Phase 2B and 2C from Naivasha to Kisumu, and terminates at Malaba border with Uganda.
Similarly, the MoUs calls for cooperation in railway laws, infrastructure, operation standards, and multimodal transport.
The long-drawn, controversial dualling of Rironi-Mau Summit Highway will now be undertaken through Public Private Partnerships (PPP), financing of the Nithi Bridge, and 15 CDB Rural Roads.
The Eldoret Eastern Bypass has been prioritized, and the upgrade of Kiambu road to connect with the dualling of the Northern Bypass and Eldoret Eastern Bypass
Advanced modernization of the Nairobi city roads is afoot following the Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS)financing and Phase 3 improvement of city junctions.
As a demonstration to the World Trade Organization (WTO) Fisheries Subsidies Agreement, the Blue Economy, Fisheries and Maritime Affairs got a boost alongside a protocol signed on hygiene and quarantine standards for Kenya’s edible aquatic animals exported to China.
President Ruto reiterated that the commitments are clear testimony of China’s support on our economic growth, youth job creation, and unlocking of untapped resources.
“We will also advocate for the strengthening and reformation of the UN Security Council: to be more representative and responsive to the modern realities,” Ruto stated.
His counterpart XI remarked that China will continue to work with Kenya in the promotion of unity and cooperation among the Global South.
“We will help them enhance their voice in the international arena.”
The Nairobi-Sino deal seeks a close working relationship on areas of innovation, tech research, and development to improve Scientific and Technological Cooperation.
It will also strengthen vocational education and training cooperation
The Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) entered into a partnership with Xinhua News Agency for enhanced news exchange and dissemination.
“Kenya’s ICT Ministry and China Media Group collaboration on content, tech, and commercial cooperation will spur growth in Kenya’s creative economy and digital exports.”
They agreed on the construction of Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign & Diaspora Affairs headquarters and to undertake feasibility studies to upgrade Londiani and Baringo County Referral Hospitals.
Additionally, joint research and exhibitions will be carried out by the National Museums of Kenya and China’s Natural History Museum to promote tourism and heritage preservation.
In his four-day State Visit of the East, President Ruto is accompanied by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Cabinet Secretaries William Kabogo (ICT), Lee Kinyanjui (Trade), National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, among other government functionaries.
