Presidents Ruto and Xi Jinping Agree to Enhance Infrastructure Development and Regional Connectivity

By Samuel Ouma

President William Ruto officially visited China with a high-level bilateral meeting with President Xi Jinping.

The two leaders discussed a series of infrastructure projects to enhance regional connectivity and boost economic growth in Kenya and its neighbouring countries.

Central to their discussions was extending the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Naivasha to key regional destinations, including Uganda, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Congo Brazzaville.

This project is expected to improve the movement of goods and passengers across East and Central Africa, fostering stronger trade links and economic integration in the region.

In addition to the SGR, President Ruto and President Xi reviewed the ongoing construction of the Rironi-Mau Summit-Eldoret-Malaba dual carriageway.

“Through our bilateral cooperation with China, the Mombasa-Naivasha Standard Gauge Railway, the Nairobi Expressway and many rural roads have been built, opening up the country and making Kenya a key transport hub not just in Eastern Africa but the continent,” posted President Ruto on X, previously known as Twitter.

The discussions also touched on plans to dual Muthaiga-Kiambu road, a crucial initiative to ease traffic congestion in Nairobi's metropolitan area.

President Ruto highlighted several other essential infrastructure projects, including the Integrated Transport System in Nairobi, which aims to streamline the city's transportation network.

He also noted the ongoing efforts to equip technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges across Kenya, which will provide the necessary skills to support the country's industrialization agenda.

The construction of the Bosto Dam and the duality of the Northern Bypass in Nairobi were also on the agenda.

Most of the discussions focused on developing the LAPSSET (Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia-Transport) corridor projects, with particular emphasis on the Lamu-Garissa-Isiolo road.

Expressing his gratitude, President Ruto thanked China for its continued support, particularly the recent Ksh34 billion commitment towards the construction of rural roads.

Ruto is in Asia for the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit.