President William Ruto visited China for a five-day state visit, and the high-profile visit has placed Kenya as a pivotal ally to China in Africa after the two nations signed groundbreaking agreements on trade, infrastructure, and security.
While critics argue that Kenya's economic future is on the brink of failure, China has swiftly stepped in to boost and reshape it, as it pledged to boost investment, expand trade opportunities, and support the development of key industries.
At the centre of the discussions between President Ruto and President Xi Jinping of China was trade and infrastructural development, where China promised to expand imports of Kenyan products into the Chinese market.
''China will import more fine Kenyan products and promote the balanced and sustainable development of bilateral trade. The two sides will make active efforts toward signing a framework agreement on economic partnership for common development or a free trade agreement to provide long-term, stable and predictable institutional support for trade and investment," the statement read in part.
Kenyans in businesses are especially expected to benefit from this deal, which aims to enhance local industries, create jobs, and stabilise Kenya’s trade deficit.
With cases of transnational crimes being on the increase in Kenya, Ruto signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China on law enforcement that will oversee cooperation between the two nations to combat these crimes.
The crimes highlighted include human trafficking, drug smuggling, telecom fraud, cybercrime, illicit arms and wildlife trade, illegal fishing, environmental crimes, and money laundering.
This comes at a time when Kenya has faced cases of smuggling problems, with several of its residents facing life and death sentences in foreign nations.
Kenya has also benefitted greatly when it comes to security, with the two countries committing to deepening their security collaboration by enhancing personnel training and joint exercises.
''The two sides agreed to enhance exchanges at all levels in the field of peace and security and strengthen cooperation in such areas as personnel training, defence industry and trade, counterterrorism, and joint exercises and training,'' the statement continued in part.
Other deals that the two leaders signed surrounded issues related to infrastructure and transport improvements, financial support and access to capital, digital and AI growth, health and pharmaceutical investments, and educational benefits.
President Ruto also promised Kenyans living in China that discussions are currently underway to establish a reciprocity doctrine to ensure the mutual exchange of benefits and rights.
Discussions are underway to have China extend Kenya's visa for traders and businesspeople to two years.
