China has assured Kenya of the speedy implementation of
agreements reached during President William Ruto’s recent visit to Beijing, a
move that could bolster his political and economic standing ahead of the 2027
elections.
Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan emphasised Beijing’s
commitment to delivering on its promises, signalling a deepening partnership
between the two nations that could provide much-needed momentum for Ruto’s
administration amid domestic challenges.
“China is a country that delivers on its promises.
China is ready to work with Kenya to achieve more early harvests of outcomes of
the Beijing Summit on FOCAC,” Ambassador Guo said during a press briefing
at the Chinese Embassy in Nairobi, restating the elevation of Kenya-China ties.
She said the projects set to be rolled out would be for the
greater benefit of the Kenyan people, and would “send a powerful message
of the China-Africa strength through unity as well as solidarity”.
She said that in the meeting with Ruto, Xi restated that
“no matter how the international landscape may evolve, China’s principle
of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith will not change”.
“The original aspiration of China and Africa supporting
each other in trying times will not change. The fundamental purpose of the
China-Africa win-win cooperation and common development will not change,”
Amb Haiyan said.
Her remarks come just days after Ruto’s four-day visit to
China, where he secured a series of trade and investment deals aimed at
revitalising Kenya’s economy.
The agreements cover infrastructure, agriculture,
technology, and green energy, sectors critical to Kenya’s growth and job
creation.
“I am committed to continuing to take head-of-state
diplomacy as strategic guidance, earnestly implementing the consensus reached by
the two Presidents, maintaining close exchanges and cooperation at all levels
and across all sectors,” Amb Haiyan restated.
She pledged to take China-Kenya relations to the next level.
“Let’s seize the opportunities, act with diligence and
determination and work together in solidarity to build the China-Kenya
relationship into an inspiring example, developing the all-weather China-Africa
community with a shared future for the new era,” she said.
The timing of these commitments is significant, as Ruto
faces mounting pressure to deliver tangible economic benefits to Kenyans amid
high living costs and a strained fiscal environment.
Kenya Kwanza administration is eyeing the PPP deals reached
with China to achieve legacy projects.
With the 2027 general elections looming, the president’s
ability to leverage Chinese partnerships for quick wins could prove pivotal in
shoring up public support.
Ruto’s diplomatic overtures to Beijing are viewed as not
just about economic gains but also about positioning himself as a leader
capable of securing international backing.
During his visit, Ruto negotiated increased market access
for Kenyan agricultural products, including avocados and tea, while also securing
Chinese support for major infrastructure projects such as the completion of the
Naivasha-Malaba Railway, Rironi Mau Summit highway, and the Nithi bridge, and
the development of renewable energy initiatives.
Ruto said the deals, if implemented as planned, stand to
revitalise key sectors of the economy, providing jobs and improving
livelihoods.
Jobs remain a critical factor for Ruto’s re-election
prospects.
China’s reassurance of prompt action aligns with its broader
strategy of reinforcing ties with African nations under the Forum on
China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) framework.
For Kenya, this means potential accelerated funding for
stalled projects and new investments that could stimulate growth.
“China will stand with countries worldwide, including Kenya, in solidarity and cooperation to tackle various challenges, protect legitimate
rights and interests and uphold international trade rules and defend fairness
and justice,” Haiyan said.
However, Ruto’s critics caution that Kenya must ensure these
agreements do not increase the public debt burden.
The ambassador’s pledge of “early harvests”
suggests that some deliverables could materialise well before 2027, giving
Ruto’s administration measurable achievements.
“If China follows through on its commitments, the
president could leverage these developments to counter opposition criticism and
present himself as a leader delivering on his promises,” Nandi Senator
Samson Cherargei said.