President Ruto says SGR extension a priority in talks with China

The extension of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) into the region and the Rironi-Mau Summit-Eldoret-Malaba dual carriageway projects are Kenya's top priorities in the engagement with China, President William Ruto has said.

The President said the expansion of the SGR from Naivasha to Uganda, Rwanda, DR Congo and Congo Brazzaville will connect the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean.

The Rironi-Mau Summit-Malaba highway is crucial in easing travel of goods and passengers to Western Kenya and eventually to the region. He also cited the dualling of the Muthaiga-Kiambu road as a priority.

The President thanked the Chinese government for ongoing projects, including the Integrated Transport System in Nairobi, equipping technical and vocational education and training colleges, Bosto Dam and the dualling of Northern Bypass in Nairobi.

On the projects in the pipeline, President Ruto said: "I seek China's concurrence in urging our teams to conclude the necessary procedures by the end of the year."

He made the remarks during a meeting with China President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China.

President Ruto commended China for the Belt and Road Initiative, saying it has helped Kenya in the development of transport infrastructure, including the SGR, Kipevu Oil Terminal and the Nairobi Expressway.

"Kenya remains committed to actualising the promise of the Belt and Road Initiative in enhancing national, regional and continental connectivity," he said.

The President noted that other significant benefits of China's support include in sectors such as education, renewable energy, research and ICT.

The President also commended China for the RMB2 billion (Ksh.34 billion) loan to fund the construction of rural roads, which serve 70 per cent of the country's population.

He said Kenya is keen on the development of the LAPSSET corridor projects, including the Lamu-Garissa-Isiolo road, which will catalyse investment in the northern and north-eastern regions of Kenya and neighbouring countries.

The President said Kenya is eager to access resources from the Chinese financial market and especially the Panda Bond.

He said Kenya has joined the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, giving the country an opportunity to access concessional financing for infrastructure and climate change efforts.

"The membership of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank will unlock much-needed capital for development in our country," he said.

He appealed to China to encourage the Chinese private sector to take advantage of the opportunity to participate in the issuance of the Panda Bond.

The President commended China's consistent leadership in promoting South-South Cooperation, saying it holds the key to unlocking Africa's potential to harness mineral and non-mineral resources, renewable energy and the demographic dividend.

On his part, President Xi said the partnership between Kenya and China has led to several flagship connectivity projects, which have significantly boosted economic and social development in the country and the region, and transformed the lives of the people.

He pointed out that the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit will strengthen ties with Kenya.

"China wishes to seize the opportunities presented by this summit to further align our development strategies and elevate our comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership to new heights," he said.

Under the leadership of President Ruto, the Chinese leader said, Kenya has advanced its economic reforms.