The Kenyan and Chinese governments have committed to enhancing bilateral ties in science and technology.

This is following a bilateral meeting between the Chinese Minister for Science and Technology, Yin Hejun, and the Education Cabinet Secretary (CS), Julius Migos Ogamba, on the sidelines of the 2nd Belt and Road Conference on Science and Technology Exchange held in Chengdu, China.

In a statement on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, the CS stated that the two countries signed a letter of intent outlining key areas of collaboration to guide the implementation of this agreement.

 “We reaffirmed our commitment to deepen and expand cooperation in science, research, innovation, and technology, building on the recently signed Agreement on Scientific and Technological Cooperation between our two countries,” he stated.

This comes after President William Ruto signed more than twenty trade agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) during his state visit to China to improve various sectors of the economy.

Ruto’s China visit

President Ruto and his host, President Xi Jinping, witnessed the signing of the agreements at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Thursday, April 24, 2025.

The trade agreements aim to boost road infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, education, and the ICT sector, among others.

The meeting agreed on the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway from Naivasha (Phase II) and from Naivasha to Malaba (Phase III).

It also agreed on the expansion and dualling of the Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit-Malaba highway, which connects Nairobi to western Kenya.

Additionally, the meeting agreed on the dualling of the Kiambu-North Bypass, the Eldoret Bypass, and the Nithi Bridge.

Part of the financing for the projects will come from the government of China, while the remainder will be sourced from private investors through public-private partnerships.

Additionally, the Chinese government and private investors are prepared to finance an additional 15 roads in the country.

“I look forward to aligning Kenya’s political and socio-economic priorities, strengthening our comprehensive strategic partnership, and learning from China’s remarkable journey of transformation in governance, economic development, and global leadership,” President Ruto said during a press briefing with President Xi Jinping before the signing ceremony.

Reflecting the growing trade ties, the Kenya-China relations were elevated to a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in the New Era.”

The documents on bilateral cooperation between Kenya and China were signed by officials of the two countries in the presence of the presidents.