China and Kenya signed 20 new cooperation agreements focused on infrastructure, technology, and education, reinforcing Belt and Road ties.
Strategic Infrastructure Partnership Between China and Kenya
In April 2025, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Kenyan President William Ruto elevated diplomatic ties and signed 20 bilateral agreements. These cover transport, energy, education, and digital infrastructure.
Expanding Belt and Road Initiative in Africa
Kenya remains a key player in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), having already received investments in projects such as the Mombasa-Nairobi railway. The new agreements further cement cooperation in infrastructure development
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Both countries announced they had upgraded ties to a “new level” on Thursday during a meeting between President Xi Jinping and Kenyan President William Ruto in Beijing, as they both pledged to create an “all-weather” China-Africa community.
In a joint statement, both leaders said they were “committed to injecting more stability into the world with the certainty of China-Africa solidarity and cooperation”.
Largest Trading Partner: China is Kenya’s largest trading partner, with trade between the two countries growing rapidly.
Investment and Infrastructure:
China has invested billions of dollars in Kenya’s infrastructure, including roads, ports, and the Mombasa-Nairobi standard gauge railway.
Belt and Road Initiative (BRI):
Kenya is a key participant in the BRI, a Chinese initiative aimed at connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe through infrastructure projects.
Debt Concerns:
Kenya has taken loans from China to finance infrastructure projects, contributing to a growing debt burden for the country.
Debt Refinancing:
Kenya has been seeking to refinance some of its debt with China.
Mutual Cooperation:
Both countries have emphasized cooperation in areas like infrastructure, technology, and trade.
Global Issues:
China and Kenya have expressed a commitment to global stability and a multipolar world, and have jointly advocated for inclusive economic globalization.
Non-Interference:
Kenya’s early relationship with China emphasized non-interference in each other’s internal affairs