- Over the last two decades, China has changed the face of Kenya’s infrastructure with notable achievements such as the Thika Super Highway and the Nairobi Expressway.
- China has also invested in the modernization of Kenya’s ports, construction of dams and digital connectivity.
Image: HANDOUT
President William Ruto and opposition chief Raila Odinga are set to attend a crucial meeting bringing together African heads of states in China.
The President made the revelation during a church service in Bungoma on Sunday.
“Later today, I will be travelling out of the country,” Ruto said.
Elkanah Odembo, co-chair of Raila’s African Union Commission chairmanship campaign secretariat, also confirmed the statesman's attendance.
With many heads of states present, the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation summit provides an excellent opportunity for Raila to market himself for the AUC top job.
The details emerged just days after China announced it would release a Sh40 billion loan to Kenya to complete 15 stalled road projects, as the Asian giant begins to open its purse to Africa.
China, the world’s second largest economy, has been a key Kenyan ally — and enjoys comprehensive strategic and cooperative partnership, the highest form of diplomatic cooperation the nation enters into with other countries.
However, under President Ruto, Kenya has been seen to gravitate towards the West.
Since the US is not known for large infrastructure financing in Africa, analysts say this will force Ruto to maintain a close relation with Beijing.
The construction of the 485-kilometre Mombasa-Nairobi Expressway, for instance, which was to be done by a US firm, has not taken off many years after it was mooted.
“Since its founding in 2000 FOCAC has helped China to displace the United States as Africa’s largest trade partner, and most influential power in the continent,” said international relations expert Cavince Adhere.
“This will be President Ruto’s first FOCAC meeting and a chance to strengthen its comprehensive development cooperation with China as the two countries work to build a community of shared future.”
Ruto is expected to sign several development partnership deals besides pitching for the extension of the Chinese-built SGR to the Kenya-Uganda border.
Treasury CS John Mbadi is among government officers who have travelled with the President.
Besides, SGR, Ruto will be seeking more infrastructural financing.
Over the last two decades, China has changed the face of Kenya’s infrastructure with notable achievements such as the Thika Super Highway and the Nairobi Expressway.
China has also invested in modernisation of Kenya’s ports, construction of dams and digital connectivity.
On the sidelines of the FOCAC meeting, Ruto will hold bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss new areas of cooperation.
The Star has established that as an anchor economy for the region, Ruto hopes to leverage Kenya’s position to attract Chinese investors and tourists into the country for job and wealth creation.
This could help provide opportunities for young people while generating revenue for the state.
President Ruto will also root for more Chinese support in equipping Kenyan technical institutions and universities.
China has helped to equip over 150 TVET institutions across the country; a strategic move aimed at helping the youth gain more practical training in readiness for the job market.
Principal Secretary, State Department for Technical, Vocational Education and Training Esther Muoria is also in China.
The President is looking for more training opportunities for young Kenyans, knowledge transfer in agricultural technology as well as expanded market for agricultural products.
During his tour of Nyanza last week, Ruto announced he had secured Sh40 billion from China and another deal with the United Arab Emirates to revive stalled road projects.
National Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committee chairman Ndindi Nyoro said the project financing loan will go towards the completion of some 15 roads across the country.
"All these roads are being done by Chinese contractors. They are long roads with low completion rates, some as low as 20 per cent," Nyoro said.
"The best thing is that the funding will take these roads up to completion," he added.
Nyoro said UAE will be providing between Sh65 billion and Sh130 billion ($500 million-$1 billion) to jumpstart more road projects.