Introduction
While diplomatic ties between Kenya and China have existed for over 60
years, their friendly relationship dates back even further, to the Ming
dynasty era (1368-1644), when the Chinese explorer Zheng He made
multiple visits to Kenya. Formal diplomatic relations between China and
Kenya were established just two days after Kenya gained independence on
December 14, 1963. Since then, diplomatic ties flourished and on August
20, 1964, a Kenyan delegation visited Mao Zedong, the then Chairman of
the Communist Party of China, at the Great Hall of the People in
Beijing.
Despite a temporary suspension of diplomatic ties in 1967, which were
later re-established in 1978, the relationship between the two countries
has grown significantly, especially in terms of economic and investment
partnerships, making China Kenya’s largest trading partner. Notable
events include high-profile meetings during President Daniel Moi’s
tenure in May 1994, followed by visits from subsequent Kenyan presidents
like Mwai Kibaki, Uhuru Kenyatta, and the current President William
Ruto, who have all pursued a ”Look East Policy” towards China.
Over the past decade, Kenya has received substantial foreign aid from
China, aimed at developing infrastructure and boosting trade. Kenya has
also been a key entry point for China’s Belt and Road Initiative into
Africa. Through its ”China Approach” development assistance, China has
made significant contributions to Kenya’s infrastructural development,
including railways, roads, water sources, renewable energy projects,
ports, education, and capacity building, all geared towards enhancing
the country’s economic and social development.
This analysis is based on policy documents and project reports from both
the Kenyan and Chinese governments, aiming to evaluate the progress and
current status of Sino-Kenya relations across various sectors, including
economic partnership, academic mobility, capacity building, and
sustainable development cooperation.