China,Kenya elevate relations to “all-weather” partnership

China and Kenya have upgraded their bilateral relationship to a new level,pledging to create an “all-weather” China-Africa community during Kenyan President William Ruto’s first state visit to Beijing,the countries announced on Thursday.

Meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping,both leaders committed to “injecting more stability into the world with the certainty of China-Africa solidarity and cooperation” amid what Xi described as “a turbulent international situation.”

The two presidents signed 20 cooperation agreements spanning diverse sectors including science and technology,vocational education,water resources,e-commerce,intelligent transport systems,and railway development. These agreements build upon Kenya’s existing role as a key recipient of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

China has already established itself as Kenya’s largest bilateral lender,financing major infrastructure projects including the Mombasa-Nairobi railway. Kenyan officials are now engaging with their Chinese counterparts to secure funding for extending this railway to the Ugandan border,despite the East African nation’s ongoing struggles with heavy debt servicing costs.

In their joint statement,both countries emphasized their commitment to upholding World Trade Organization principles while opposing “new hegemonic tactics such as illegal unilateral sanctions,‘decoupling and chain breaking,’ tariff barriers and technological blockades.”

The partners agreed to deepen security cooperation through personnel training,military industry collaboration,counter-terrorism efforts,and joint exercises. They also outlined plans for Chinese companies to help build a local medical and health industry tailored to Kenya’s needs.

Both sides expressed willingness to enhance African infrastructure connectivity through major projects like the Mombasa-Nairobi railway. They also announced they are “actively exploring” the possibility of opening direct flights between Beijing and Nairobi.

President Ruto,who took office in September 2022,has previously pledged that his government will not default on Kenya’s external debt,promising to cut waste and boost revenue to address the country’s financial challenges while continuing to pursue strategic partnerships.