Nairobi — April 21, 2025 — Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto is set to embark on a five-day state visit to China from April 22 to 26, at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. The visit underscores the deepening diplomatic and economic ties between Nairobi and Beijing, particularly under the ongoing Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Speaking ahead of his departure, President Ruto lauded the strength of Kenya’s partnership with China, calling it “a cornerstone of our development agenda.” He emphasized that the relationship has delivered critical infrastructure, trade opportunities, and investment flows that continue to shape Kenya’s long-term economic outlook.

Ruto’s visit comes at a time of renewed momentum within the BRI framework, with China signaling its intent to deepen engagement with African nations amid shifting global economic alignments. Kenya has been a key player in the initiative, having secured major funding for infrastructure projects such as roads, railways, and energy.

During his time in Beijing, President Ruto is expected to hold high-level talks with President Xi and other senior Chinese officials. The agenda includes reviewing ongoing projects, negotiating future cooperation deals, and exploring new areas of partnership particularly in digital infrastructure, technology transfer, and green energy.

Analysts say the visit could mark a strategic pivot in how Kenya engages with global powers, especially as tensions rise between China and Western allies over trade and influence in Africa.

China remains one of Kenya’s largest trading partners and a leading source of foreign direct investment. With several flagship BRI projects still in progress, the outcome of Ruto’s visit is likely to shape the next phase of Kenya’s development trajectory.