Ruto Begins China Visit to Boost Trade, Tea Exports, and Digital Ties

• Apr 22, 2025

President William Ruto has officially arrived in China for a state visit running from April 22 to April 26, 2025, where he will engage in key discussions aimed at strengthening economic, diplomatic, and technological cooperation between Kenya and China.

The Chinese Embassy in Kenya confirmed his arrival on Tuesday, marking the start of a packed itinerary that includes bilateral talks, trade events, and major project launches. One of the main highlights of the visit is President Ruto’s scheduled meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The two leaders are expected to discuss economic partnerships, development cooperation, and global diplomatic engagement.

A central focus of Ruto’s trip is the Kenya-China Business Forum, which will bring together over 100 companies from both nations. The forum aims to foster new investment opportunities in trade, digital innovation, and industrial expansion. Ruto is expected to use the platform to advocate for Kenya’s position as a key gateway to African markets.

In a strategic move to support Kenya’s agriculture sector, the president will officially open the Kenya Tea Holding Centre in China’s Fujian Province—one of the country's major tea-producing regions. The facility is expected to boost the global visibility of Kenyan tea, provide better market access, and support small-scale farmers back home.

Ruto will also address students and academics at Peking University, where he will outline Africa’s broader vision for inclusive growth, sustainable leadership, and stronger South-South cooperation. His speech will emphasize the continent’s push for unity and collaboration among developing nations.

Another major component of his visit involves financial discussions. The president is promoting a strategy to diversify Kenya’s loan portfolio by turning to Renminbi (RMB)-denominated financing. This approach is intended to reduce reliance on the US dollar and minimize exposure to currency shocks, while securing more favorable lending terms from institutions like the China Eximbank.

Kenya is reportedly negotiating loans tied specifically to projects with direct economic benefits, such as infrastructure that generates revenue through tolls and taxes.

Before the visit ends, Ruto is also expected to sign several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) covering sectors such as the blue economy, cybersecurity, vocational education, artificial intelligence, and railway development, in line with China’s Belt and Road Initiative.