Beijing, China — Kenya’s strategic relationship with China reached a new milestone this week as President William Samoei Ruto and Chinese President Xi Jinping witnessed the signing of 20 bilateral trade agreements and memorandums of understanding aimed at boosting key sectors of the Kenyan economy.

Speaking from the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, President Ruto described the Kenya-China partnership as “permanent, people-centered, and continually delivering practical, tangible, impactful, and sustainable win-win situations.”

The newly signed agreements cover a wide range of areas including road infrastructure, education, health, agriculture, the blue economy, green energy, and ICT. President Ruto said the Chinese government has committed significant resources toward enhancing Kenya’s development agenda.

“These commitments are further evidence of China’s resolute support to our efforts to grow our economy, create jobs for our youth, and unlock the untapped resources of our great nation,” he noted.

The agreements are aligned with the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China’s global infrastructure development strategy, and are expected to promote long-term investment and economic cooperation between the two countries.

On matters of diplomacy, President Ruto said he and President Xi reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening cooperation among nations of the Global South and amplifying their voice on the world stage.

“We will also continue to champion for the strengthening and reformation of the UN systems, in particular the Security Council, to be more representative and responsive to the present realities,” Ruto added.

The visit marks another significant chapter in Kenya’s diplomatic and economic ties with China, which has become one of the country’s leading development partners.