Kenya has signed a deal with China to build a new Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters in Nairobi. The project will expand Kenya’s diplomatic capacity and replace the offices on Harambee Avenue. It also deepens China’s role in Kenya’s development.
Project factsheet
- Project: New Ministry of Foreign Affairs Headquarters
- Location: Nairobi (Exact site yet to be revealed)
- Partners: Government of Kenya & People’s Republic of China
- Financing: Partial funding through Chinese grants
- Status: Feasibility study ongoing
- Expected features: Spacious, modern diplomatic facility with advanced infrastructure
- Timeline: Construction to commence post-feasibility and final agreement
The announcement comes as President William Ruto continues his five-day state visit to China. During the visit, he is expected to sign several multi-billion-shilling deals with Chinese President Xi Jinping, including the agreement to build the new Foreign Affairs complex.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei confirmed the plans during an interview in Beijing, stating that discussions around the project are in advanced stages.
“This is a conversation we will have before the groundbreaking. At this point, the project is undergoing a feasibility study.”
The existing Foreign Affairs offices, located on Harambee Avenue, are said to be outdated and undersized, given Kenya’s increasing diplomatic activities. The new facility aims to reflect the country’s growing international role.
New Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters to strengthen Kenya–China diplomatic and development ties
This agreement marks 60 years of diplomatic relations between Kenya and China. The two countries first established ties in 1963, with China emerging over time as a key development partner.
In May 2024, a Chinese technical team visited Nairobi to begin design work for the proposed headquarters. The project also signals deepening cooperation between the two nations.
During the visit, President Ruto will also launch the Kenya–China Business Forum and commission the Kenya Tea Holding Centre in Fujian province. Additionally, two major county hospital deals are expected to be signed.
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China’s role in Kenya’s growth
China has funded several large-scale projects in Kenya. These include:
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Standard Gauge Railway (SGR): A US$3.6 billion project connecting Mombasa to Nairobi, backed by Chinese loans.
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Lamu Port: Part of the LAPSSET Corridor, supported by Chinese companies.
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Nairobi Expressway: A KSh 88 billion toll road financed and operated by the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC).
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Thika Superhighway: A flagship infrastructure project completed with Chinese aid and technical support.
Beyond transport, China has also helped modernise Kenya’s power infrastructure and built several learning institutions, including the Confucius Institute at the University of Nairobi.
Speaking ahead of the deal, Sing’oei noted that the visit is not only about transactions but also about “developing a shared future.”
He reassured Chinese investors of Kenya’s fair investment environment, noting strong legal structures, reliable banking systems, and protection of foreign investments.
