Kenyan President William Ruto has announced a significant deepening of Kenya’s cooperation with China, focusing on accelerating the country’s green transition and economic transformation. His five-day state visit to China, which began on Tuesday, signals Nairobi’s strategic pivot towards Beijing amid evolving global alliances and increasing tariff pressures from Western partners.
We, as a frontrunner in green energy in our region, will be looking at opportunities that can be shared between Kenya and China, technology transfer and possibly how we can encourage Chinese enterprises to invest in the renewable energy sector
Kenyan President William Ruto
Focus on Green Energy and Infrastructure
Kenya plans to leverage its vast renewable energy potential—particularly in solar, wind, and geothermal—to become a regional hub for green manufacturing and technology. China’s global leadership in solar panel production, electric vehicles, and green technologies offers vital partnership opportunities.
The new agreements include over $950 million channelled into priority sectors: $320 million for manufacturing, $430 million for agriculture, and $230 million for tourism initiatives. Notably, the deals secured involve major Chinese enterprises such as China Wu Yi and Zonken Group, highlighting deepening economic ties.
Kenya also seeks to extend the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to Malaba and fast-track highway projects crucial for regional trade integration. These efforts build upon flagship Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) infrastructure achievements, including the Nairobi Expressway and the Mombasa-Nairobi Railway, which Ruto praised for enhancing connectivity and spurring economic growth.
Strategic Shift Amid Global Realignments
President Ruto’s visit marks a broader strategic shift as Kenya responds to cooling relations with Western partners, notably the United States. Following the imposition of a 10% tariff by the US earlier this month and stalled American funding, Kenya is increasingly turning to China for alternative investment and market access.
Analysts note that this reorientation strengthens China’s influence in East Africa. “Nairobi is not just an option for China, it is also a strong gateway to the rest of Africa,” said Adhere Cavince, a Nairobi-based international relations researcher.
Kenya’s move towards China is also seen through the cancellation of a €1.3 billion highway expansion contract with a European consortium led by France’s Vinci SA, with plans to reassign the project to a Chinese contractor.
Vision for a Sustainable and Prosperous Future
Beyond infrastructure, Ruto envisions cooperation with China as pivotal for agricultural modernization, poverty reduction, and boosting South-South trade. Discussions with President Xi Jinping also included Kenya’s interest in joining BRICS, aligning further with emerging economies.
“This visit speaks to the enduring friendship between our two countries and our shared vision for a prosperous future,” Ruto declared during his speech in Beijing.
With new agreements in place and growing momentum behind green initiatives, Kenya aims to become a leader in Africa’s green transition — with China as a key partner on that journey.
