Direct flights, SGR extension and trade top list of Ruto, Jinping deals

President William Ruto has wrapped up his state visit to China, during which he secured a series of agreements spanning infrastructure, healthcare, security, and trade.

The visit marks a new phase in the growing ties between Kenya and China, especially in light of ongoing global trade tensions.

The agreements, signed with Chinese President Xi Jinping, aim to further strengthen Kenya-China relations, with a particular focus on infrastructure development and economic benefits.

In a joint statement, the two leaders outlined plans for direct air links, an extension of the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), enhanced healthcare collaboration, and reinforced security and financial partnerships.

The agreements also include provisions for Kenya to support the establishment of Chinese industries, while China has committed to increasing imports of Kenyan produce.

During the five-day visit, which began on Monday, Ruto also advocated for the completion of a free trade agreement between Kenya and China.

“We will strengthen cooperation with China to ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business/business/article/2001516921/inside-rutos-high-stakes-china-visit-amid-raging-global-trade-war">confront our challenges< and drive our shared success,” said President Ruto after talks between the Kenyan delegation and Chinese officials at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

On Thursday, Xi received Ruto on a red carpet outside the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, where they were met by the People’s Liberation Army soldiers, a 21-gun salute on Tiananmen Square, and children waving the flags of China and Kenya.

The visit is viewed as part of a broader effort by both nations to consolidate economic and trading ties, especially in the context of trade disputes between both China and Kenya, and the United States.

Officials stated that the agreements represent a deepening strategic relationship between the two countries.

A key outcome of the discussions was the agreement to explore direct flights between Nairobi and Beijing.

“The two sides will actively consider launching direct flights between their capitals in line with market principles,” the joint statement said.

Both leaders recognised that increased connectivity would expand economic opportunities and strengthen cultural ties. This development could see national airlines such as Kenya Airways and Air China, alongside Xiamen Airlines, flying directly between the two capitals.

Kenya Airways has been flying to Guangzhou, China’s trade hub, for nearly 20 years and is keen to expand its routes to other major cities.

Infrastructure development, a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship, was also a significant focus, with renewed commitments to the Mombasa-Nairobi SGR and new road projects.

Discussions included plans to extend the existing railway network, a move that would ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/national/article/2001517058/ruto-eyes-infrastructure-talks-during-china-visit">enhance regional connectivity< and spur economic growth. However, no specific timelines were provided.

“The two sides will drive the integrated development of infrastructure and industries through the implementation of major projects such as the Mombasa-Nairobi Railway,” the communique stated, also pledging to promote growth corridors for China-Africa industrial cooperation and the development of a comprehensive land-sea network.

Healthcare cooperation was identified as a key priority. “Kenya seeks to draw on China’s valuable experience in inclusive healthcare,” the statement noted.

It continued that China places “great importance on Kenya’s urgent needs” in addressing medicine and vaccine shortages and will support Chinese enterprises in collaborating with Kenya to develop local healthcare industries.

“Kenya will provide necessary facilitation for Chinese medicines to access its market,” the statement added.

Security cooperation was another key area of discussion. Both countries agreed to strengthen policing ties in the fight against transnational crime.

The two sides are set to sign a memorandum of understanding on law enforcement cooperation to create mechanisms to tackle illicit activities, such as human trafficking, drug smuggling, cybercrime, and the illegal trade in arms and wildlife.

The agreement also covers collaboration on personnel training, defense industry cooperation, counterterrorism measures, and joint exercises.

Financial cooperation was also discussed, with China acknowledging Kenya’s role as a financial hub in East Africa.

“China values Kenya’s role as a financial hub in East Africa and will support Chinese financial institutions in establishing branches in Kenya. The two sides will explore new and diversified forms of financial cooperation, including potential cooperation on panda bonds, in accordance with market principles and relevant laws,” the statement revealed.

Moreover, the agreements outlined a framework for increased economic collaboration through industrial development and trade. “China encourages leading Chinese enterprises to invest and set up businesses in Kenya, supporting Kenya’s efforts to expand its competitive production capacity, upgrade industrial chains, and achieve independent, sustainable development.”

“China will import more high-quality Kenyan products and promote balanced and sustainable growth in bilateral trade,” the statement added.

President Ruto also pressed for the finalisation of a ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/national/article/2001517049/ruto-takes-kenyas-wishlist-to-beijing-as-trade-winds-shift">free trade agreement between the two nations<, which would provide long-term trade certainty.

“The two sides will actively work towards signing a framework agreement on economic partnership or a free trade agreement, providing long-term, stable, and predictable institutional support for trade and investment between our countries,” Ruto said.