FULL LIST: SGR Extension, Nairobi-Nakuru Highway & Deals Ruto Signed With China
Ruto’s mission was clear: deepen economic ties, unlock strategic investments, and reinforce Kenya’s position in global development frameworks.
Marvin Chege 
President William Ruto on Thursday, April 24 held high-stakes bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his inaugural State Visit to the People’s Republic of China, marking a pivotal moment in Kenya-China relations.
Leading a high-level government delegation, Ruto’s mission was clear: deepen economic ties, unlock strategic investments, and reinforce Kenya’s position in global development frameworks.
The talks were productive, setting the stage for what is now termed the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in the New Era between the two nations. A total of 20 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and cooperation frameworks were signed, covering critical sectors including trade, infrastructure, education, the digital economy, science and technology, and cultural exchange.
Both sides reaffirmed alignment of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with Kenya’s national development goals.
An SGR train at a train station in Kenya. /NTV
"In a significant step towards deepening bilateral ties, Kenya-China relations were elevated to a ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in the New Era’ and marked by the signing of 20 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and other frameworks of cooperation covering sectors such as infrastructure, trade, education, digital economy, science and technology, people to people exchanges and cultural cooperation," a statement by State House read in part.
SGR Extension, Nairobi-Mau Summit
A major diplomatic win came with China’s commitment to financing and supporting key infrastructure projects. These include the long-delayed extension of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Naivasha to Malaba.
Also included are major upgrades to vital highways such as the Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit corridor, the Kiambu-Northern Bypass, Eldoret Bypass, and the Nithi Bridge.
"This cooperation cements Kenya’s role as a key Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and regional logistics partner, while integrating East Africa’s transportation network and enhancing intra-regional trade," added the statement.
PPPs & TVETs
China also greenlit increased private sector investment in these infrastructure ventures via Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), signalling a shift toward more sustainable, development-driven economic engagement.
Another standout outcome was the signing of financing agreements for the implementation of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) III Project, aimed at enhancing technical and vocational training for Kenya’s youth.
Transport & Digital Superhighway
Nairobi will also benefit from an Intelligent Transport System and Junction Improvement Project, designed to modernise urban traffic control and streamline payment of traffic penalties through tech-first solutions.
Digital transformation also featured prominently. China pledged support in expanding Kenya’s National Digital Superhighway and committed to cooperation in expanding road and water infrastructure.
Health
The health sector wasn’t left out either—China announced grants to upgrade hospital infrastructure and support Kenya’s push for Universal Health Coverage, alongside private sector investment in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
"In support of Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda [BETA], China pledged grants to improve hospital infrastructure and committed to private sector investment in pharmaceutical manufacturing," added the statement.
One of the most consequential deals signed was a Framework Agreement on Economic Partnership for Shared Development. This agreement paves the way for a broader trade pact aimed at expanding market access for Kenyan exports like tea, coffee, avocado, and macadamia nuts.
Miscellaneous
President Xi expressed China’s support for Kenya’s ongoing fiscal reforms and debt management efforts, acknowledging the country's commitment to creating economic stability and space for long-term development.
Both leaders also committed to enhancing cooperation on green energy, innovation, tourism, and regional peace and security. Ruto thanked China for its continued support in promoting stability in the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes region, while Xi praised Kenya’s contribution to the UN-led peace mission in Haiti. They jointly stressed the need for a peaceful, rules-based international order.
On the business front, Ruto presided over the Kenya-China Private Sector Roundtable and Business Forum, where deals worth over Ksh137 billion (USD 1.06 billion) were inked. These investments span manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure, and are projected to create over 28,000 jobs.
Noteworthy projects include a Special Economic Zone in Kilifi, agricultural investments in Kajiado and Baringo, and expanded manufacturing in Machakos, Murang’a, and Mombasa.
Wrapping up the visit, President Ruto is set to travel to Fujian Province, a manufacturing powerhouse in southeastern China. There, he will meet with top Chinese industry leaders—especially in e-mobility and tea—to promote Kenya as a prime destination for manufacturing and tech investment.
