Ruto to seek more loans for stalled projects in China visit

President William Ruto is next week expected to head to China for a five-day state visit.

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday announced that Ruto will undertake a state visit to China from April 22 to 26, at the invitation of President Xi Jinping.

This high-profile meeting comes at a pivotal moment for Kenya, as it seeks increased financial support amid rising economic challenges.

Kenya has historically relied on China as a close partner, receiving billions in investments for infrastructure projects, including roads, and railway.

China is now the largest creditor to Kenya, making this visit crucial as the Ruto administration navigates a challenging economic landscape exacerbated by US tariffs.

The meeting occurs against the backdrop of US President Donald Trump's "reciprocal" tariffs, which have impacted Kenya's economy significantly.

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As a major exporter of clothing to the US, Kenya was hit with a 10 per cent tariff, affecting trade dynamics and straining relations between Nairobi and Washington.

This dissatisfaction has led Kenya to reassess its international partnerships, insiders say, with many officials expressing concerns about the US approach to trade.

President Xi has openly criticized such tariffs, positioning China as a more reliable trading partner amid escalating trade tensions with the US.

He is likely to reiterate this sentiment during Ruto's visit. “At the invitation of President Xi Jinping, President William Ruto of the Republic of Kenya will pay a state visit to China from April 22 to 26,” a spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated.

During the meeting, Ruto is expected to seek Chinese support in reviving key infrastructure projects that have stalled, including the extension of the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway to Malaba and improvements to the Rironi-Mau Narok highway.

Discussions may also cover expanding port and airport facilities and enhancing vocational training institutions.

China’s influence in Africa has grown through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), designed to offer funding for infrastructure projects in developing nations. With Kenya facing mounting economic pressures and strained relations with the US, Ruto’s discussions with China take on heightened importance, analysts say.

Experts suggest that this visit is a strategic move for Kenya, as it seeks to solidify ties with Beijing and potentially overshadow previous Western partnerships. Ruto’s government may negotiate the construction of a new toll highway from Nairobi to Mau Summit, which has faced delays since he took office.

Ruto's previous criticisms of Chinese loans during his campaign added complexity to the current discussions. He had linked Kenya's debt crisis to Chinese financing; however, this visit signals a significant shift in policy reminiscent of former President Kenyatta’s approach, which sought to leverage Chinese investment for infrastructure development.

Amid global trade tensions, a Chinese diplomat, Mr Xue Bing, recently emphasized the need for countries to oppose unilateralism and protectionism. He remarked that "global instability and uncertainty are on the rise" and called for collaborative efforts to establish a multipolar world. This echoes Kenya's growing sentiment to diversify its diplomatic and economic relationships, particularly as traditional Western partners adopt more protectionist policies.

Kenya's public debt stood at Sh10.79 trillion ($83.3 billion) as of September last year, with over Sh1.5 trillion ($11.58 billion) due to foreign creditors between 2025 and 2026. The government is also exploring new funding avenues, including the potential issuance of Panda bonds in China, which could diversify its financing options.

As the Ruto administration seeks new financial arrangements, including a revised agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the outcomes of the meeting with Xi Jinping could have significant implications for Kenya’s economic stability and international relations, analysts said.

China watchers said the upcoming Ruto-Xi meeting represents a critical opportunity for Kenya to reinvigorate infrastructure projects and strengthen its ties with China.

"President Ruto’s upcoming State visit to China comes as US tariffs and global trade volatility strain Kenya’s export-dependent economy. China, through strategic partnerships, offers a critical avenue for Kenyan export diversification,” said Shen Shiwei, non-resident research fellow at the Institute of African Studies of Zhejiang Normal University, founder of the China Briefing newsletter.

“By deepening trade in value-added agriculture, textiles, and digital services, and boosting investments in manufacturing, Kenya could tapping China’s vast market and supply chains.”

He added: “This aligns with Kenya’s growth and sustainability goals, serving as a strategic hedge against protectionism to build economic resilience in a fragmented global landscape.”