Chinese Vice President Han Zheng set to visit Kenya
By Faith Lagat, March 20, 2026Chinese Vice President Han Zheng will undertake an official trip to Kenya, South Africa, and Seychelles from March 22 to 30, 2026.
The visit, extended at the request of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki for Kenya, Deputy President Paul Mashatile for South Africa, and Vice President Sebastien Pillay for Seychelles, is aimed at deepening diplomatic and economic partnerships between China and these African states.
During his stay in Kenya, Han Zheng is expected to hold discussions with local leadership on enhancing bilateral relations and addressing topics of mutual interest.
“Chinese Vice President Han Zheng will visit Kenya, South Africa and Seychelles from March 22 to 30 at the invitation of Deputy President of Kenya Kithure Kindiki, Deputy President of South Africa Paul Mashatile and Vice President of Seychelles Sebastien Pillay, a foreign ministry spokesperson announced on Friday,” the Chinese Embassy in Kenya announced on Friday, March 20, 2026.
Focus on Kenya’s infrastructure projects
The timing of the visit coincides with developments in Kenya’s infrastructure sector, particularly the revival of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) expansion.
The initial phase of the SGR, connecting Mombasa to Nairobi since 2017, marked a significant milestone in Sino-Kenyan cooperation. Progress on the subsequent phase from Naivasha onwards had stalled for over six years due to funding challenges.
Under President William Ruto, the project has recently gained momentum, with a ceremonial launch signalling commitment to extend the line more than 370 kilometres through multiple counties in the Rift Valley, Nyanza, and Western regions, ultimately reaching Malaba at the Ugandan border.
The extension is expected to improve transport efficiency, strengthen domestic connectivity, and facilitate cross-border trade in East Africa.
Financial restructuring has also eased pressure on Kenya’s obligations to China. Last October, authorities converted part of the SGR-related financing originally in U.S. dollars into Chinese yuan.
The shift affected loans totalling around Ksh646 billion from the Export-Import Bank of China. According to recent figures, a semi-annual payment in January 2026 stood at Ksh37.5 billion, down from Ksh59 billion the previous year, yielding savings of Ksh21.5 billion in debt servicing.
Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir said the Naivasha–Kisumu–Malaba SGR extension will connect Kenya’s rail network to Uganda through Malaba, strengthening the Northern Corridor, a key trade gateway for East and Central Africa.
He added that early preparations are already underway at sites in Kibos, Kisumu County, and Motunyi, Narok County, ahead of the official launch expected to be led by President William Ruto and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
CS Chirchir noted that the railway is set to improve the movement of goods between Kenya and neighbouring countries, reduce pressure on road transport, and lower logistics costs across the region.
He said the project reflects a broader vision by Kenya and Uganda to deepen regional integration, enhance infrastructure connectivity, and promote economic cooperation for shared prosperity.
Regional engagements and cooperation
Beyond Kenya, Han Zheng will co-chair the ninth session of the China-South Africa Bi-National Commission with Deputy President Mashatile, covering economic and political matters. In Seychelles, discussions are expected to focus on practical collaboration.
China views the visit as an opportunity to align its 15th Five-Year Plan objectives (2026–2030) with the national development goals of these countries. Officials say the trip will aim to strengthen political trust, expand cooperation in trade, investment, and infrastructure, and reinforce a resilient China-Africa partnership.