China has assured Kenya of the speedy implementation of agreements reached during President William Ruto’s recent visit to Beijing, a move that could bolster his political and economic standing ahead of the 2027 elections.
Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan emphasised Beijing’s commitment to delivering on its promises, signalling a deepening partnership between the two nations that could provide much-needed momentum for Ruto’s administration amid domestic challenges.
"China is a country that delivers on its promises. China is ready to work with Kenya to achieve more early harvests of outcomes of the Beijing Summit on FOCAC," Ambassador Guo said during a press briefing at the Chinese Embassy in Nairobi, restating the elevation of Kenya-China ties.
She said the projects set to be rolled out would be for the greater benefit of the Kenyan people, and would "send a powerful message of the China-Africa strength through unity as well as solidarity".
She said that in the meeting with Ruto, Xi restated that "no matter how the international landscape may evolve, China's principle of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith will not change".
"The original aspiration of China and Africa supporting each other in trying times will not change. The fundamental purpose of the China-Africa win-win cooperation and common development will not change," Amb Haiyan said.
Her remarks come just days after Ruto’s four-day visit to China, where he secured a series of trade and investment deals aimed at revitalising Kenya’s economy.
The agreements cover infrastructure, agriculture, technology, and green energy, sectors critical to Kenya’s growth and job creation.
"I am committed to continuing to take head-of-state diplomacy as strategic guidance, earnestly implementing the consensus reached by the two Presidents, maintaining close exchanges and cooperation at all levels and across all sectors," Amb Haiyan restated.
She pledged to take China-Kenya relations to the next level.
"Let's seize the opportunities, act with diligence and determination and work together in solidarity to build the China-Kenya relationship into an inspiring example, developing the all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era," she said.
The timing of these commitments is significant, as Ruto faces mounting pressure to deliver tangible economic benefits to Kenyans amid high living costs and a strained fiscal environment.
Kenya Kwanza administration is eyeing the PPP deals reached with China to achieve legacy projects.
With the 2027 general elections looming, the president’s ability to leverage Chinese partnerships for quick wins could prove pivotal in shoring up public support.
Ruto’s diplomatic overtures to Beijing are viewed as not just about economic gains but also about positioning himself as a leader capable of securing international backing.
During his visit, Ruto negotiated increased market access for Kenyan agricultural products, including avocados and tea, while also securing Chinese support for major infrastructure projects such as the completion of the Naivasha-Malaba Railway, Rironi Mau Summit highway, and the Nithi bridge, and the development of renewable energy initiatives.
Ruto said the deals, if implemented as planned, stand to revitalise key sectors of the economy, providing jobs and improving livelihoods.
Jobs remain a critical factor for Ruto’s re-election prospects.
China’s reassurance of prompt action aligns with its broader strategy of reinforcing ties with African nations under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) framework.
For Kenya, this means potential accelerated funding for stalled projects and new investments that could stimulate growth.
"China will stand with countries worldwide, including Kenya, in solidarity and cooperation to tackle various challenges, protect legitimate rights and interests and uphold international trade rules and defend fairness and justice," Haiyan said.
However, Ruto's critics caution that Kenya must ensure these agreements do not increase the public debt burden.
The ambassador’s pledge of "early harvests" suggests that some deliverables could materialise well before 2027, giving Ruto’s administration measurable achievements.
"If China follows through on its commitments, the president could leverage these developments to counter opposition criticism and present himself as a leader delivering on his promises," Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei said.
