China marks 76th anniversary in Nairobi as Kenya urges shift from aid to trade

The Chinese Embassy in Nairobi on Monday evening hosted a reception to mark the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, celebrating decades of diplomatic ties with Kenya and highlighting growing cooperation across trade, infrastructure, and multilateralism.

The event, attended by senior government officials, diplomats, and business leaders, was headlined by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Chinese Ambassador to Kenya, Guo Haiyan.

In his keynote speech, Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi emphasized the urgent need for African nations to shift focus from foreign aid dependency to building strong trade and investment partnerships.

“The era of depending on foreign aid is gone,” he declared. “It is upon us to aggressively pursue trade, resource generation, and self-sufficiency,” he said.

Mudavadi acknowledged China’s role as a key strategic partner and Africa’s largest bilateral development ally, praising the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) for transforming infrastructure, technological transfer, and investment across the continent.

He also revealed that Kenya is currently engaged in negotiations with China under the Free Preferential Trade Agreement (FPTA) framework—part of a wider plan to unlock new trade opportunities for Kenyan exports.

“We hope that in a few weeks’ time, we shall be able to report progress and indicate that we have struck a deal,” he said.

Ambassador Guo Haiyan, in her address, praised the long-standing friendship between China and Kenya, dating back over six decades, and reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to shared development under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

“Embracing China is embracing opportunities. Believing in China is believing in a better tomorrow,” she said.

She highlighted China’s rapid development over the past 76 years, citing achievements in clean energy, technological innovation, healthcare, and manufacturing. She also noted China’s contribution to global peace and governance through initiatives like the Global Development Initiative and Global Governance Initiative.

On bilateral relations, Ambassador Guo referenced President William Ruto’s successful state visit to China in April, which resulted in the signing of 20 cooperation agreements.

“We are building the China-Kenya relationship into an inspiring example for China-Africa cooperation in the new era,” she said.

Mudavadi confirmed that Kenya is advancing the implementation of 21 bilateral agreements signed during President Ruto’s visit. These include: Extension of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Naivasha to Kisumu and Malaba. Dualling of the Rironi–Mau Summit–Malaba Road, aimed at boosting regional trade and connectivity.

“Our goal is to enhance efficiency of trade with Uganda and unlock the wider Great Lakes region,” he said.

Both leaders underscored the importance of multilateralism in today’s geopolitically volatile world. Mudavadi warned that weakening global cooperation would hinder efforts to resolve conflicts and address global challenges.

“The absence of multilateralism is dangerous for humanity,” he noted.

Ambassador Guo echoed these sentiments, saying China would always stand for peace, cooperation, and mutual benefit.

Looking Ahead As China celebrates its 76th year since the founding of the People’s Republic, both nations appear poised to deepen their relationship through increased trade, investment, and strategic collaboration on regional and global issues.

The event concluded with a toast to the prosperity of China and Kenya, and to the enduring friendship between their people.