Nairobi joined Chinese communities worldwide in celebrating the 77th anniversary of the People's Republic of China's founding. Over 500 guests attended a National Day reception at the Chinese Embassy in Nairobi, including senior Kenyan government officials, MPs, diplomats, and representatives from international organisations and Chinese businesses. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi represented the Kenyan government at the event.
Chinese Ambassador Guo Haiyan highlighted China's transformation from a poor agricultural economy in 1949 to the world's second-largest economy. She emphasised the expanding relationship between Nairobi and Beijing, citing progress in education, healthcare, social security, and environmental protection. Guo also noted that China-Africa relations had entered a new phase, with African countries pursuing development and modernisation.
This year marks the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, with over 20 activities planned in education, culture, tourism, and other areas. Over 1,000 Kenyans have travelled to China for training courses and study programmes under the initiative. Guo said exchanges between government institutions, legislatures, political parties, and local authorities had also increased, strengthening ties between the two nations.
Mudavadi said Kenya valued its relationship with China and would continue implementing agreements reached by the two countries. He recalled President William Ruto's state visit to China in April 2025, which elevated Kenya-China relations to an All-Weather Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The partnership covers areas including finance, manufacturing, and infrastructure.
Trade featured prominently at the reception, with Guo citing significant increases in Kenyan exports to China. Kenyan exports of avocado oil to China had risen by 700 per cent since the implementation of zero tariffs in May. Aquatic product exports had increased by 350 per cent, and coffee exports had nearly doubled by the end of August.
Infrastructure was another major area of discussion, with Kenya hailing progress in mega projects partnered with China. Mudavadi appreciated Chinese support for major infrastructure projects, including the Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit highway and the proposed extension of the SGR from Naivasha through Kisumu to Malaba. Guo said China was ready to deepen cooperation with Kenya in various areas.
The reception marked China National Day on October 1, commemorating the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949. Guo thanked Kenyans for supporting China-Kenya friendship, and Mudavadi reaffirmed Kenya's commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership. The evening ended with a toast to the prosperity of Kenya and China and the friendship between their peoples.
Key points
- Kenya and China have elevated their relationship to an All-Weather Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
- China has extended zero-tariff treatment to products from 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations.
- Over 1,000 Kenyans have travelled to China for training courses and study programmes under the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges initiative.
