Infrastructure projects top agenda as Ruto meets Xi in China

The infrastructure development agenda is the priority agenda dominating engagements between President William Ruto and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.

President Ruto said talks with his host at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing focused on the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway into the EAC region and the Rironi-Mau Summit-Eldoret-Malaba dual carriageway project.

Ruto said the expansion of the SGR from Naivasha to Uganda, Rwanda, DR Congo, and Congo Brazzaville will connect the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean.

The President noted that the extension of the Rironi-Mau Summit-Malaba highway is crucial in easing the travel of goods and passengers to western Kenya and eventually to the region.

He also cited the dualling of the Muthaiga-Kiambu road as a priority.

"I seek China's concurrence in urging our teams to conclude the necessary procedures by the end of the year," Ruto said.

Ruto thanked the Chinese government for ongoing projects, including the Integrated Transport System in Nairobi, equipping technical and vocational education and training colleges, Bosto Dam, and the dualling of the Northern Bypass in Nairobi.

He commended China for the Belt and Road Initiative, saying it has helped Kenya in the development of transport infrastructure, including the SGR, Kipevu Oil Terminal, and the Nairobi Expressway.

"Kenya remains committed to actualising the promise of the Belt and Road Initiative in enhancing national, regional, and continental connectivity," he said.

Ruto and Xi met ahead of the Forum on China Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit.

On his part, President Xi said the partnership between Kenya and China has led to several flagship connectivity projects, which have significantly boosted economic and social development in the country and the region, and transformed the lives of the people.

He pointed out that the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit will strengthen ties with Kenya.

"China wishes to seize the opportunities presented by this summit to further align our development strategies and elevate our comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership to new heights," he said.

Under the leadership of President Ruto, the Chinese leader said, Kenya has advanced its economic reforms.

President Ruto acknowledged China's support for other significant sectors such as education, renewable energy, research, and ICT.

He further commended China for the RMB2 billion (Sh34 billion) loan to fund the construction of rural roads, which serve 70 per cent of the country's population.

President Ruto said Kenya is keen on the development of the LAPSSET corridor projects, including the Lamu-Garissa-Isiolo road, which will catalyse investment in the northern and northeastern regions of Kenya and neighbouring countries.

The President said Kenya is eager to access resources from the Chinese financial market, especially the Panda Bond.

Kenya has joined the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, giving the country an opportunity to access concessional financing for infrastructure and climate change efforts.

"The membership of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank will unlock much-needed capital for development in our country,"  President Ruto said.

He appealed to China to encourage the Chinese private sector to take advantage of the opportunity to participate in the issuance of the Panda Bond.

The President commended China's consistent leadership in promoting South-South Cooperation, saying it holds the key to unlocking Africa's potential to harness mineral and non-mineral resources, renewable energy, and the demographic dividend.