Kenya has secured a raft of high-profile deals in trade, infrastructure, and strategic partnerships following President William Ruto’s State Visit to China.
According to a statement from State House on April 24, 2025, the Chinese government agreed to partner with Kenya on several strategic connectivity development projects.
“These include investments in the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway to Naivasha (Phase II) and from Naivasha to Malaba (Phase III), as well as the expansion and dualling of the Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit-Malaba highway, the Kiambu-Northern Bypass, the Eldoret Bypass, and the construction of Nithi Bridge,” the statement read in part.
State House noted that the cooperation enhances Kenya’s role as a key partner in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and strengthens its position as a regional logistics hub.
The collaboration is expected to help integrate East Africa’s transportation network, facilitating greater intra-regional trade.
Additionally, China has opened the door for increased private sector investment into these infrastructure projects through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).
Infrastructure & Connectivity Projects
1. Extension of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Naivasha to Malaba (Phase II & III).
2. Expansion and dualling of the Nairobi–Nakuru–Mau Summit–Malaba highway.
3. Development of key road links: Kiambu-Northern Bypass, Eldoret Bypass, and construction of the Nithi Bridge.
4. Enhanced integration of East Africa’s transportation corridors to boost regional trade.
5. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) for infrastructure to attract Chinese private sector investments.
Digital Transformation & Smart Mobility
6. Expansion of Kenya’s National Digital Superhighway Programme through extended fibre optic coverage.
7. Introduction of the Intelligent Transport System and Junction Improvement Project for Nairobi—aimed at streamlining traffic flow and digitizing penalty payments.
Healthcare & Human Development
8. Chinese grants to modernize hospital infrastructure, supporting Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
9. Private sector investment in local pharmaceutical manufacturing under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
10. Financing for the TVET III Project to upgrade vocational institutions and enhance youth technical skills.
Trade Expansion & Market Access
11. Signing of a Framework Agreement on Economic Partnership for Shared Development.
12. Expansion of export markets for Kenyan products such as tea, coffee, avocado, macadamia, and other agricultural goods.
Job Creation & Investment Deals
13. Ksh137 billion (USD 1.06 billion) in investments secured at the Kenya-China Private Sector Roundtable & Business Forum.
14. Launch of a Special Economic Zone in Kilifi County, expected to create 5,000 jobs.
15. Manufacturing plant expansions in Machakos, Murang’a, and Mombasa.
16. Agricultural value chain initiatives in Kajiado and Baringo counties—including poultry, aloe, and vineyards—set to create 10,500 jobs.
President Ruto’s visit has not only strengthened diplomatic ties but also opened a new chapter of strategic cooperation with China—touching nearly every pillar of Kenya’s economic transformation blueprint.
