• President Ruto's visit aims to boost Kenya's trade and investment opportunities with China.
• A $950 million agreement was signed to enhance development in key sectors like agriculture and manufacturing.
• Ruto seeks funding for critical infrastructure projects, including railways and highways.

Kenyan President William Ruto has embarked on a significant state visit to China aimed at deepening economic ties and attracting investment. This marks Ruto's third visit to Beijing since taking office, underscoring Kenya's strategic pivot towards China amidst shifting global alliances and U.S. tariffs on Kenyan exports. The trip includes participation in the Kenya-China Business Forum and bilateral talks focused on trade and infrastructure development, according to AllAfrica and South China Morning Post.

During the visit, President Ruto signed a substantial $950 million agreement that emphasizes collaboration in manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism. This agreement is pivotal to Kenya's Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), aimed at enhancing economic resilience. "We have achieved many things together," Ruto stated, referencing prior Chinese-funded projects like the Standard Gauge Railway and Nairobi Expressway, which have significantly transformed Kenya's infrastructure, according to Africa News.

Key projects discussed during the visit include extending the Standard Gauge Railway to Malaba, as well as constructing a major highway connecting Nairobi to Mau Summit. These infrastructure developments are seen as vital for boosting regional trade and connectivity, particularly in light of the recent 10% tariffs imposed by the U.S. on Kenyan exports, which have prompted Nairobi to diversify its trade partners, as highlighted by Africa News and South China Morning Post.

The visit illustrates Kenya's intention to bolster its economic ties with China, with Beijing being the country's largest trading partner. Discussions are also expected to include enhancing Kenya's agricultural exports to China, particularly tea, thereby improving market access for Kenyan farmers, according to AllAfrica and Africa News.