China and Kenya’s relationship stands as a beacon of steadfast partnership in Africa and on the global stage. For over six decades, the two nations have cultivated deep-rooted ties, overcoming distractions and misinformation to build a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.
The foundations of this relationship date back more than 600 years, when the great Chinese navigator Zheng He set foot on the eastern coast of Kenya during the Ming Dynasty. Fast forward to December 12, 1963, China was among the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with the newly independent Republic of Kenya. In 2017, this bond was elevated when Chinese President Xi Jinping and then Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta upgraded the bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership.
The recent meeting between Kenya’s President William Ruto and President Xi Jinping during the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing underscores the continuing importance both nations place on their partnership. In July, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s official visit to Nairobi set the stage for deepening Belt and Road cooperation, with both sides pledging to enhance collaboration.
China has been a major trading partner and a significant source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for Kenya. As of September, FDI from China to Kenya stands at $348 million, with the Kenyan government aiming to increase this by 10 percent. These investments have been pivotal in growing Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product and providing thousands of jobs for Kenyan youth.
Embracing China’s commitment to opening its market to foreign traders and investors, the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) recently opened an office in Changsha, the capital of China’s Hunan Province. This initiative is expected to benefit approximately 600 Kenyan exporters by offering opportunities to showcase their products and seek investment opportunities, alongside capacity building and exposure to modern Chinese manufacturing practices.
Trade between the two nations is robust and diverse. In 2021, China’s exports to Kenya included machinery, textiles, and metals, while Kenya exported mineral products, agricultural produce, and animal hides to China. This daily exchange of goods supports the livelihoods of millions in both countries.
For 60 years, China and Kenya have unwaveringly supported each other in safeguarding national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and legitimate rights while exploring development paths suited to their national conditions. Their partnership exemplifies mutual respect and win-win cooperation, embracing a shared vision for a world with a shared future, despite different political, social, and economic systems.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
