Ruto's Message To Kenyan Athletes Before Leaving For China

President William Ruto on Monday, April 21, congratulated both John Korir and Sharon Lokedi, two Kenyan athletes who bagged victories in the recently-concluded 2025 Boston Marathon.

Just before leaving the country for a State Visit to the People's Republic of China, the Head of State hailed Korir's triumph, terming it a historic milestone in world athletics.

Korir's 2:04:45 was the second-fastest winning time in the 129-year history of the Boston Marathon, with Ruto terming it a historic milestone in world athletics. "Your performance demonstrated the resilience, determination, and spirit that define champions," he wrote in part.

"Bravo, Cyprian Kotut, for securing third position and proudly flying the Kenyan flag high. Congratulations, Sharon Lokedi, for winning the women’s race and setting a new course record. This is not only a personal triumph but a moment of pride for the entire athletics community and our nation," he added.

Equally, Ruto congratulated Hellen Obiri, who finished second but cemented "Kenya’s stature as a global athletics powerhouse." "We salute you all for representing Kenya and for always being our finest ambassadors," he added.

President Ruto Departs Tonight For State Visit to China.

Meanwhile, State House spokesperson, Hussein Mohamed, explaining details of the visit, revealed that it builds on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established in 2017, with Kenya recognised as China's leading Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) partner in Africa.

"Kenya has played a central role in advancing regional infrastructure and connectivity, with flagship projects such as the Standard Gauge Railway and the Nairobi Expressway significantly transforming its economic landscape," the statement by Mohamed read in part.

While in Beijing, the President will hold bilateral talks with President Xi Jinping to advance shared priorities in economic transformation, sustainable development, and global cooperation.

Ruto is also expected to officiate the Kenya-China Business Forum, bringing together over 100 companies from both countries to explore new opportunities in trade, investment, digital innovation, and industrial growth.

As part of efforts to boost Kenya's agricultural exports, the Head of State will inaugurate the Kenya Tea Holding Centre in Fujian Province. "Situated in one of China's key tea regions, the Centre will enhance the visibility and market access of Kenyan tea, support smallholder farmers, and strengthen Kenya's trade footprint in Asia," added the statement.

The Head of State will also deliver a keynote address at Peking University, where he will highlight Africa's vision for inclusive growth, leadership, and deeper South-South cooperation.

It was further revealed that Kenya and China will continue aligning high-quality BRI cooperation with Kenya's national development priorities, focusing on building a robust industrial and logistics hub for East Africa.

Additionally, President Ruto will further engage with the Chinese leadership on global and regional matters, advocating for enhanced multilateral cooperation. The discussions will also address peace and security in the Greater Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes Region.