Kenyan President William Ruto described his country's relationship with China as "sincere, strategic, and comprehensive" during an exclusive interview with China Media Group (CMG) this week. The first African leader to visit the Chinese mainland since the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit, Ruto emphasized the growing bilateral cooperation spanning infrastructure, green energy, and trade.
"This is a relationship of mutual benefit with a win-win outcome," Ruto told CMG anchor Wang Guan, highlighting completed projects like the Nairobi Expressway and ongoing collaborations in geothermal energy development. The Kenyan leader noted China's role as Africa's largest trading partner since 2009, with bilateral trade exceeding $282 billion in 2023.
Analysts observe the visit signals strengthened South-South cooperation ahead of the 2025 FOCAC meeting. "Ruto's three keywords reflect Africa's evolving engagement strategy," said Nairobi-based economist Wanjiku Mwangi. "African nations increasingly seek technology transfer and sustainable development partnerships alongside traditional infrastructure investments."
The interview concluded with Ruto inviting Chinese businesses to participate in Kenya's Vision 2030 development plan, particularly in smart agriculture and digital economy sectors.
