President William Ruto signed an infrastructure deal with Chinese Premier Li Qiang during his visit to China. The agreement covers the dualing of three highways, construction of the Nithi Bridge, and extension of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Naivasha to Kisumu and Malaba.
The roads set for expansion are Nairobi–Nakuru–Mau Summit–Malaba, Kiambu–Northern Bypass, and Eldoret Bypass. China will also support the Nithi Bridge project along the Embu–Meru highway.
Ruto’s China infrastructure deal key highlights
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Roads: Nairobi–Nakuru–Mau Summit–Malaba, Kiambu–Northern Bypass, Eldoret Bypass
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Bridge: Nithi Bridge along the Embu–Meru highway
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SGR: Extensions from Naivasha to Kisumu and Malaba
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Digital: National fibre optic cable network expansion
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Healthcare: Hospital infrastructure & pharmaceutical manufacturing grants
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Jobs and investment: KSh137B in deals, 28,000+ new jobs projected
The agreement, announced by State House spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, outlines plans to dual three major highways and expand critical infrastructure. The highways in question are the Nairobi–Nakuru–Mau Summit–Malaba, the Kiambu–Northern Bypass, and the Eldoret Bypass.
Ruto’s agreement with China for the dualing of the Nairobi–Nakuru–Mau Summit–Malaba highway comes barely two weeks after Kenya cancelled a KSh190 billion (€1.3 billion) deal with a French firm that had been contracted to construct the road.
Additionally, the deal includes the construction of the Nithi Bridge, which has long been a source of danger for motorists, especially along the Embu-Meru route. The statement said:
During the extensive engagement between the leaders, China agreed to work with Kenya on implementing strategic connectivity development projects.
Expansion of the Standard Gauge Railway
Another centerpiece of the agreement is the expansion of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR). The planned extension includes Phase 2B, from Naivasha to Kisumu, estimated at KSh380 billion, and Phase 2C, from Kisumu to Malaba, projected to cost KSh122.9 billion.
Digital infrastructure investment
The President Ruto’s China infrastructure deal also addresses the need for enhanced digital infrastructure. Kenya and China agreed to expand Kenya’s fibre optic network as part of the National Digital Superhighway Programme.
This move is aimed at boosting internet connectivity, which is vital for Kenya’s growing digital economy. The statement highlighted:
Kenya and China also committed to further collaboration in the rollout of Kenya’s National Digital Superhighway Programme.
Healthcare, education, and transport solutions
China also committed to funding healthcare improvements in Kenya through grants for the construction of new hospitals and private-sector investment in the manufacturing of pharmaceutical products. This aligns with Kenya’s goal to provide universal health coverage under its Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
On the issue of Nairobi’s traffic congestion, both countries agreed to invest in an intelligent transport management system. Furthermore, an instant-fine system will be introduced to more effectively address traffic violations.
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Agricultural investment and job creation
The deals also included agreements to boost agricultural exports from Kenya to China, including tea, coffee, macadamia, and avocados.
Furthermore, during the Kenya-China Private Sector Roundtable and Business Forum, Ruto oversaw the signing of investment agreements worth KSh137 billion, expected to create over 28,000 jobs in manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure. Notable projects and job creation include:
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A Special Economic Zone in Kilifi County (5,000 jobs)
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Manufacturing expansions in Machakos, Murang’a, and Mombasa
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Agricultural projects in Kajiado and Baringo, focusing on poultry, aloe vera, and vineyards (10,500 jobs projected)
