Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs Musalia Mudavadi has bid farewell to outgoing Chinese ambassador to Kenya Zhou Pingjian.

In a statement after bidding farewell to Pingjian on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, Mudavadi hailed China’s relations with Kenya as a shared vision for a win-win future that empowers citizens of both countries.

“Kenya reaffirms its enduring strategic partnership with the People’s Republic of China, a relationship built on mutual benefit, people-centered collaboration, and a shared vision for a win-win future that empowers citizens of both countries. This partnership continues to open doors to transformative opportunities, delivering tangible, sustainable progress and driving impactful economic growth. Together, we are laying the foundation for an even closer Kenya-China community with a just and prosperous shared future,” Mudavadi said.

“As we bid a warm farewell to H.E. Zhou Pingjian, the outgoing Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Kenya, we express our gratitude for his dedication and invaluable contributions. We wish him great success as he embarks on his next chapter in Beijing.”

During his tenure, Pingjian served as the 17th Chinese ambassador to Kenya, as well as the permanent representative to UNEP and UN-Habitat.

After his appointment to the position, Pingjian claimed that China-Kenya ties can be traced back over 600 years.

“China-Kenya ties can be traced back over 600 years, when the fleets led by the great Chinese navigator Zheng He, who visited Kenyan coast four times, bringing silk, porcelain and friendship. China was among the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with the Republic of Kenya,” Pingjian stated.

Wetang’ula bids farewell to Pingjian

In November, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula bid farewell to Pingjian, following a successful four-year tenure.

The farewell took place during a courtesy visit by Pingjian at Parliament Buildings.

Wetang’ula emphasized the ambassador’s role in fostering cooperation across various sectors, including development, economic growth, education, technology, and security.

“Today, I bid farewell to a long-time friend and a dedicated diplomat who has played a pivotal role in cementing the strong diplomatic relations between our two countries,” Wetang’ula said.

He added that Pingjian has been instrumental in making Kenya-China collaborations flourish.

“I am truly grateful for the opportunity to serve in Kenya and for the strong working relationship we have shared,” Pingjian stated.

“Our positive engagements have generated significant momentum in our bilateral relations. I believe strengthening parliamentary diplomacy will continue to foster stronger ties between our nations.”

Kenya and China have enjoyed robust diplomatic relations since Kenya and China elevated their partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2017, a distinction that represents the highest level of bilateral engagement. As a result, Kenya is considered one of China’s key strategic partners in Africa.