Kenya-China Relations Deepened at 2024 FOCAC Summit: A Milestone for Infrastructure, Trade, and Economic Cooperation

The August 2024 9th Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit in China marked a pivotal moment in Kenya's deepening relationship with China, underscoring the strategic importance of bilateral cooperation. With 53 African leaders in attendance, the Summit provided an opportunity for nations to strengthen their diplomatic and economic ties with China and with other African countries.

The summit, which was held on 4th to 6th September 2024, culminated in the adoption of the FOCAC-Beijing Action Plan (2025-27), which outlines a comprehensive roadmap for future cooperation. The Action Plan covers vital sectors such as trade, infrastructure, health, agriculture, green development, and security which are sectors crucial to Kenya’s own development goals that align with the Country’s priorities and its Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.

During the trip, President William Ruto held bilateral talks with H.E. Xi Jinping, President of The People's Republic of China further solidifying Kenya’s position as a critical partner for China in Africa. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the two Nation’s cooperation. 

Among the significant outcomes from the FOCAC Summit include China’s agreement to grant Kenya's agricultural produce greater access to the Chinese market, an important boost for Kenyan farmers and traders. Infrastructure development remained a focal point of discussions, with plans to expand Kenya’s Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and other key infrastructure projects, such as the Rironi-Mau Summit-Malaba dual carriageway. These projects are expected to further enhance Kenya’s role as a transport and logistics hub in Eastern Africa. Also on transport, the construction of 15 rural roads through a 2 billion Renminbi (RMB) Credit facility agreement with China Development Bank will further promote rural connectivity, create jobs, and improve market access for Kenyan farmers and traders. This project aligns with Kenya’s Vision 2030 goals, ensuring that economic growth is inclusive and benefits underserved communities.

The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the China-Africa Development Fund focusing on fostering public-private partnerships (PPP) to drive national development projects will enhance China’s investment presence in Kenya. Plans are underway to establish a regional CAD Fund office in Nairobi thereby expanding the scope of collaboration across infrastructure, manufacturing, and trade.

Kenya's formal membership in the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is expected to bolster the country’s infrastructure development agenda. 

By joining the AIIB, Kenya will have the opportunity to access concessional financing for critical infrastructure projects, as well as climate change initiatives, regional cooperation, and technology-driven programs. This partnership will also offer significant assistance to Kenya's Vision 2030 goals, which emphasize inclusive and sustainable growth.

President Ruto co-chaired the Summit's High-Quality Belt and Road Cooperation session with China's Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, underscoring the BRI's transformative impact on Africa. Kenya's Standard Gauge Railway has improved connectivity and economic integration. Kenya’s President underscored the BRI's influence on infrastructure, trade, and investment across the continent observing that these accomplishments and the Trans-Africa Highway Network make Kenya an important logistical and commercial hub. 

The 46,455 kilometers Trans-African Highways is envisioned by the African Union and executed with the collaboration of multiple nations and will transverse through Cairo to Dakar, 8,636 km; Dakar to N’Djamena 4,496 km; N’Djamena to Djibouti 4,219 km; Dakar to Lagos 4,010 km; Lagos to Mombasa 6,259 km; Beira to Lobito 3,523 km; Algiers to Lagos 4,504 km; Tripoli to Windhoek, potentially extending to Cape Town 10,808 km and Cairo through Gaborone to Pretoria/Cape Town 10,228 km. The transport network will facilitate socio-economic growth, promote inter-regional trade, and foster a sense of shared destiny among African nations thereby creating regional economic hubs, stimulating local economies and in turn creating job opportunities.

In his address, President Ruto urged China to deepen its cooperation with Africa by enhancing concessional funding and supporting reforms in the international financial system. He called on China to advocate for increased contributions by multilateral development banks, such as the International Development Association, to provide low-interest financing for African nations. Furthermore, he pressed for restructuring Africa's debt with longer grace periods and extended loan terms, which he argued would help address the financial disparities that disadvantage the Global South. These steps, according to President Ruto, are crucial for fostering sustainable economic development in Africa. President Ruto also called for reforms within the African Union to strengthen Africa’s collective voice in global decision-making and support long-term growth.

On the fringes of the FOCAC Summit, President Ruto held bilateral discussions with various African leaders where he articulated Kenya’s regional interests while calling for the strengthening of regional ties and cooperation in areas of security, trade, investment and climate action. During the bilateral meetings, he advocated support of Kenya’s candidature for the position of the African Union Commission chairperson. President Ruto met with Presidents Paul Kagame of Rwanda, Umaro Sissoco Embalò of Guinea-Bissau; Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé of Togo, Assimi Goïta of Mali, Mahamat Idriss Deby of Chad, Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia. Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has been endorsed as the Eastern Africa’s candidate to the position. 

During the FOCAC Summit sideline meetings, Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Minister, advocated for additional financial and technical support from China. Dr. Mudavadi’s contribution at the China-Africa Entrepreneurs Conference highlighted Kenya’s potential to partner in sectors such as infrastructure, ICT, agriculture, and manufacturing, areas critical to Kenya's Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda. By focusing on industrial growth and e-mobility, these initiatives aim to modernize Kenya’s economy, promote job creation, and advance the country’s technological capabilities.

Dr. Mudavadi also emphasized Kenya’s strategic position as Eastern Africa's financial, logistics, and technology hub during his talks with Chinese investors. These discussions, which focused on Kenya’s favorable investment climate and access to key markets like the East African Community, the United States, and the European Union, underscored the mutual benefits of deepening trade relations between the two nations.

The 2024 FOCAC Summit not only showcased Kenya’s strong diplomatic and economic ties with China but also laid the groundwork for future collaborations that will propel Kenya’s development agenda. Through infrastructure, trade, and technology partnerships, Kenya and China are moving towards a people-centered, mutually beneficial relationship that promises transformative growth for both nations.