President William Ruto’s state visit to China comes at a time of growing global complexity and evolving economic priorities. For Kenya, this trip is not merely symbolic, it’s a well-calculated geopolitical and economic maneuver that could shape the country’s trajectory for decades. In a multipolar world where influence is no longer monopolised by the West, engaging with China strategically is not only wise, it’s necessary.

Kenya’s relationship with China has been transformative, particularly over the past two decades. From the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to roads, ports, and digital infrastructure, Chinese investments have significantly contributed to Kenya’s development.

This state visit accorded to Ruto only in the entire continent is coming at a time when Kenya is desperately looking for funding to extend the SGR from Naivasha to Malaba, as well as the Rironi-Mau Summit road, improving the traffic along the Northern Corridor.

Ruto’s state visit offers an opportunity to turn the page to reset the narrative. Unlike past interactions, which were often framed around dependency, this visit is about rebalancing. It shows Kenya stepping up as a more assertive partner, seeking to renegotiate debt terms, attract smarter investments, and align cooperation with national development goals under Vision 2030.

Kenya, like many developing nations, is grappling with a heavy debt burden some of which is owed to China. The optics of heading to Beijing amid these fiscal constraints could be politically risky, but Ruto’s move is tactically sound.

Debt diplomacy is not about avoiding lenders; it’s about securing better terms and demonstrating fiscal responsibility.

Ruto is expected to push for a restructuring of Kenya’s existing Chinese loans, particularly those tied to major infrastructure projects. If successful, this could free up fiscal space for domestic development and ease pressure on public coffers. Moreover, it would signal to both Chinese and Western creditors that Kenya is serious about debt sustainability.

Ruto’s China visit comes on the heels of trying to strengthen ties with Western allies, including reviving trade negotiations with the US at a time when President Donald Trump has focused the US trade policy on transactional arrangement. This signals a deliberate shift in Kenya’s foreign policy: toward strategic non-alignment. In other words, Kenya is not looking East or West — it is looking forward.

In today’s interconnected world, smart countries are those that can skillfully navigate competing global interests while securing their own. China is not only a key source of capital and infrastructure expertise; it’s also a major player in technology, trade, and green energy. Ignoring Beijing in the name of ideological alignment with the West would be a disservice to Kenya’s development aspirations.

Ruto’s visit reflects a nuanced approach to diplomacy: engage widely, negotiate smartly, and stay anchored in national interest.

As China adapts its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to emphasize sustainability, digital infrastructure, and green development, Kenya has a golden opportunity to help shape this next phase. Rather than just being a recipient of BRI projects, Kenya can position itself as a proactive stakeholder.

Ruto’s administration has already shown a strong commitment to climate resilience, innovation, and regional trade integration. These priorities align with China’s evolving investment strategy. By aligning interests, Kenya could attract the kind of forward-looking investments that bring jobs, skills, and long-term value — while also insisting on greater transparency, local content, and environmental safeguards.

Beyond economics, this visit also enhances Kenya’s geopolitical standing. In a region often mired in instability, Kenya is viewed as a beacon of relative peace and predictability. By engaging with China on equal footing, Ruto strengthens Kenya’s image as a confident, capable player in global affairs.

Ruto’s ability to maintain strong ties with both Beijing and Washington could position Kenya as a bridge-builder in Africa’s global engagement, amplifying its voice on key issues from trade to climate action.

— The writer is a journalist and communication consultant