China highlights global development initiative as Kenya ties deepen

Speaking during a seminar on the GDI in Nairobi, Chinese Ambassador Guo Haiyan said prevailing global economic pressures, sluggish post-pandemic recovery, and mounting geopolitical tensions have made development cooperation more urgent than ever.

According to the envoy, China has mobilised more than USD 23 billion for GDI-linked projects over the past four years. The funding has supported programmes in agriculture, digital connectivity, climate resilience, health, and poverty reduction, contributing to the launch of over 1,800 projects across participating countries.

Ambassador Guo also noted that China’s Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund has been expanded to USD 4 billion, enabling support for about 190 projects in more than 60 countries.

Kenya featured prominently in her remarks. The ambassador referenced President William Ruto’s state visit to Beijing in April, where the two countries reaffirmed their cooperation under what they described as a “Community with a Shared Future for the New Era.”

China remains Kenya’s largest source of imports, and major infrastructure projects such as the Standard Gauge Railway, Nairobi Expressway, Garissa Solar Plant, Thwake Dam, and Talanta Sports Stadium were highlighted as examples of ongoing collaboration.

Amb. Guo added that Kenya stands to benefit from Beijing’s recent announcement granting zero-tariff access to all tariff lines for 53 African countries with which China maintains diplomatic relations.

Looking ahead, China plans to roll out a new phase of development-focused programmes over the next five years. These include the implementation of 2,000 small-scale community projects, expanded support for digital capacity-building, the launch of 200 maritime cooperation projects for small island states, and the introduction of a Clean Stove Project aimed at reducing household emissions.

She further stated that China will not seek “special and differential treatment” in upcoming World Trade Organization negotiations — a stance aimed at reinforcing Beijing’s positioning as a partner to developing countries rather than a competitor for advantages.

The ambassador linked the GDI to China’s broader diplomatic agenda, which also features the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative, and the Global Governance Initiative, all designed as alternatives to Western-led multilateral frameworks.

She concluded by noting that China’s next Five-Year Plan (2025–2030) will include significant reforms and expanded market openness, underscoring Beijing’s intent to remain a central driver of global economic growth.