China to Invest $950 Million in Kenya’s Manufacturing, Agriculture and Tourism Sectors Following Ruto’s Visit

Kenyan President William Ruto has signed a $950 million agreement with China during a five-day state visit aimed at improving bilateral ties and supporting Kenya’s economic transformation.

The deal was announced on Wednesday in Beijing. It focuses on major investments in manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism, which are three sectors central to Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). The deal includes $320 million for manufacturing, $430 million for agriculture, and $230 million for tourism.

Some of the key investments include a $150 million construction agreement with China’s Wu Yi, a $400 million agricultural project by the Zonken Group in Baringo, and a $230 million tourism partnership with Hunan Conference Exhibition Group, which is investing in Kenya for the first time.

President Ruto, who met with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, said the agreement reflects years of growing cooperation between the two countries. He pointed to major projects like the Standard Gauge Railway, Lamu Port, and Nairobi Expressway as examples of what the two countries have accomplished together.

He added that Kenya’s involvement in China’s Belt and Road Initiative has played a key role in upgrading transport, logistics, and infrastructure not only within the country but across East Africa.

During the visit, Ruto was formally welcomed with a 21-gun salute at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. He also held meetings with top Chinese leaders, including Premier Li Qiang and Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress.

Both governments released a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to closer cooperation in trade, infrastructure, healthcare, education, and global development. They also agreed to support each other’s national development goals and oppose external interference.

The full text of the pledge states that plans are underway to expand direct trade, open new flight routes between Nairobi and Beijing, and strengthen links between Kenya’s infrastructure and regional transport corridors. China also expressed interest in working with Kenya on innovative financial tools such as panda bonds and on expanding the role of Kenya as a financial hub in East Africa.

On healthcare, China offered support to address medicine and vaccine shortages in Kenya and to help build up local pharmaceutical capacity. Kenya will also allow access to its market for Chinese medicines.

In terms of development cooperation, both countries committed to working together on poverty reduction, food security, green growth, and the blue economy. Kenya will also benefit from talent development programmes and vocational training initiatives backed by China. President Ruto’s recent visit is his third to China since taking office.

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