Over the past six decades, the partnership between China and Kenya has blossomed, bringing transformative projects and opportunities to the East African nation.
One shining example of this collaboration is the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), a 472-kilometer rail line connecting Kenya’s bustling capital, Nairobi, with the coastal city of Mombasa. Since its launch in 2017, the SGR has been a game-changer for Kenya’s transportation and economy.
By February 2023, the SGR passenger service had transported over 14.8 million passengers and moved more than 38 million tonnes of goods, according to official data. The railway has not only eased mobility for people and cargo but has also revitalized commerce and investment along its route.
During its sixth anniversary in October 2023, foreign envoys from countries including Russia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, South Africa, Egypt, Hungary, and Ethiopia lauded the SGR as a catalyst for transformation in Kenya. Russian Ambassador to Kenya Dmitry Maksimychev highlighted the railway as a milestone of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and a testament to China-Kenya cooperation.
The relationship between China and Kenya has evolved into a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership characterized by political trust, economic collaboration, cultural exchanges, and mutual understanding.
Central to this partnership is the Belt and Road Initiative, which has brought substantial investments in infrastructure, trade, and education, significantly impacting Kenya’s development.
Beyond the SGR, projects like the Nairobi Expressway have revolutionized Kenya’s infrastructure, improving residents’ well-being and integrating the country further into the global economy.
In agriculture, China has supported Kenya through initiatives like the Kenya-China Belt and Road Joint Laboratory for Crop Molecular Biology at Egerton University and the Sino-Africa Joint Research Center at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. These projects have advanced crop breeding, technology transfer, and personnel training, vital for Kenya’s agricultural sector.
Education and cultural exchanges have also been pivotal. Thousands of Kenyan students have received scholarships to study in China, gaining valuable skills and knowledge that contribute to Kenya’s development upon their return.
Technological collaboration is another key area. The Luban Workshop at Machakos University, in partnership with Tianjin City Vocational College and Chinese technology giant Huawei, has introduced advanced technologies like cloud computing to Kenyan students. This initiative aims to develop ICT talents in Kenya, supporting the country’s ambition to become a regional technology hub.
As Kenyan President William Ruto is set to visit China on Tuesday—his first state visit to China as the president of the east African country—both nations are expected to expand ties in technology and innovation. Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Zhou Pingjian noted that China’s commitment to green energy and sustainable agriculture aligns with Kenya’s growth goals.
“Leveraging China’s expertise, Kenya can advance renewable energy and environmental conservation efforts, supporting global initiatives to combat climate change,” Zhou wrote in an op-ed published in Xinhua late last year.
The 60-year partnership between China and Kenya continues to yield fruitful results, promising a future of shared growth and prosperity.
