Kenyan president praises strong Kenya-China ties, expects further development

China

Kenyan president praises strong Kenya-China ties, expects further development

2025-04-23 22:13 Last Updated At：04-24 16:27

Kenyan President William Ruto, who is on a state visit to China, has emphasized the long-standing friendship, frequent exchanges, and practical cooperation between the two countries, expressing hope that his visit would inject new momentum into bilateral ties.

Ruto arrived in Beijing on Tuesday for a five-day state visit at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Before his visit, the president shared his vision for the trip in an interview with China Media Group (CMG) in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya.

Ruto highlighted the many tangible outcomes of cooperation between the two countries, and said he hoped his visit could elevate the bilateral relationship to new heights.

"I am looking forward to building on what already exists, to build greater understanding between our two peoples, and ensuring that we take this into the future. Along that journey, we have achieved many things together. Kenya is a member of the Belt and Road Initiative and as a result we have the 600-kilometer railway from Mombasa through Nairobi to Naivasha. We have the Lamu port that has been built in partnership with Kenya and China. And of course we have the Mombasa oil terminal that has also been built by the partnership between our two countries, alongside many other projects. The Nairobi Expressway and many road projects that have been undertaken in Kenya signify the robust relationship between our two countries," he said.

The president also said that both Kenya and the wider East Africa region have greatly benefited from the practical cooperation between China and Kenya.

"The projects I have listed, from the expressway, to the railway developed, to Lamu port, to the oil terminal in Mombasa, are not just improving connectivity within Kenya but is also improving regional connectivity. So these are very important projects," Ruto said.

Ruto said that his visit underscores the strong friendship between China and Kenya, as well as the bond between the two peoples.

"It is an honor for me and for the people of Kenya for us to undertake this visit to Beijing. It speaks to the friendship between our two countries," said the president.

Spillover effects of Middle East conflict push up prices in Ethiopia

The spillover effects of the ongoing Middle East conflict have driven up commodity prices in Ethiopia, taking a heavy toll on people's daily life, especially for the low-income population.

With U.S.-Israeli joint military strikes on Iran now exceeding one month and no clear resolution in sight, the economic aftershocks are spreading far beyond the Middle East.

As part of its response to U.S. and Israeli operations, Iran has restricted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, targeting ships associated with the United States and Israel. The blockade of this vital global energy route has driven up oil and gas prices worldwide.

In Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital, long queues of vehicles could be seen at gas stations waiting for fuel. Prices of other goods are also on the rise.

"The prices of goods are going up every day. If the conflict continues, life will become very hard, especially for people with low incomes," said Zeynu Yelma, a shop owner.

Beyond rising living costs, the surge in prices has also hit the local construction industry.

"Over the past two weeks, the prices of building materials have risen sharply, severely affecting our work. The price of cement has nearly doubled. Sand and gravel costs continue to rise. The price of steel has also surged. If this trend continues, I'm afraid our work may have to stop," said Yetbarek Workenhe, manager of a construction site.

Although local authorities have been working to secure supplies, provide subsidies, and prioritize public services, the severe international situation continues to widen the supply gap.