Outgoing Chinese ambassador to Kenya lauded for his contributions towards strengthening Kenya-China Strategic Partnership

The government remains committed to promoting the long-term and healthy growth of Kenya-China relations, and protecting the lawful rights and interests of overseas Chinese nationals living in Kenya.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has said the Kenya-China ties will further be strengthened towards achieving a comprehensive strategic partnership, which is mutually beneficial and people centered.
Mudavadi said the collaboration which can be traced back for decades has now become the cornerstone of a Joint Vision for building a closer community with a shared future.

“We are currently institutionalizing the implementation mechanism of the recommendations of the signed Joint Vision for building an even closer Kenya- China community with a shared future geared to a win-win situation for the people of Kenya and China.” he noted.

Mudavadi who doubles as the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs emphasized that the established Joint Technical Teams (JTT) will continue to work seamlessly and include advancing modernization and implementation of other areas of the 2024 Beijing FOCAC Summit outcomes.

He was speaking on Tuesday evening when he hosted a fare-well dinner in honour of Chinese ambassador to Kenya, Zhou Pingjian, whose tour of duty has come to an end. “We highly recognize and appreciate the support of medical supplies during the difficult period of COVID-19 Pandemic, demonstrating that China is a true friend of Kenya in times of need.  This having taken place during your tenure as the ambassador we recognize and salute your personal dedication that saw Beijing on many occasions support in kind and money towards emergencies.” pointed out Mudavadi.

“The Government will ensure the Chinese community, which has supported attainment of national development priorities, is safe while securing their investments.” added Mudavadi.

Mudavadi further lauded ambassador Pingjian’s efforts in further cementing the Kenya-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership noting that he was available whenever reached out to on important and urgent matters of mutual interest, while ensuring that both Nairobi and Beijing remained on the same page.

“Kenya will miss you but we are sure that you will join Kenya’s friends in Beijing and you will continue enhancing our mutual relationship. Please be assured that your successor and Embassy team will continue to receive utmost support from the Kenya Government for the benefit of our people and countries.” remarked Mudavadi.
On his part, ambassador Pingjian noted that while the world is undergoing major development, transformation and adjustment, peace and development remains the call of the day.

He said China has been promoting a community with a shared future for mankind and it will continue to join all countries in the world, including Kenya, to create a beautiful future of greater prosperity.
“I have travelled a lot in Kenya and witnessed the tremendous change that signifies progress towards the right direction. I have travelled to Maasai Mara for instance many times, initially I witnessed challenging roads but in August this year I was happy to have a smooth drive to the park.” he noted

“The assistance of the host country has been incredible and I am leaving with good news that Kenya is a true casing point of diplomacy in action. As Kenya celebrates its 60 years of diplomacy, China is ready to further strengthen its bilateral relations with Kenya in key areas of trade, investment and development.” added Pingjian.
He said Kenya should endeavor to build avenues that will translate into tangible opportunities for jobs, and those that give hope of a transformative society that gives equal consideration to all citizens.

Pingjian said China will remain to be a close partner to Kenya in ensuring a better life for all Kenyans.
“Together we can do more and together we will do more. What we should leverage on is commitment, hard work and better collaboration.” he emphasized.

The Prime CS also noted some of the key contributions towards strengthening Kenya-China Strategic Partnership during Pingjian’s tenure which include increased high-level visits by both Kenya and China, which he explained to be a clear political goodwill to take the strategic partnership to greater heights.

During that period of Pingjian’s service Kenya formally joined the four Initiatives namely Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Global Development Initiative (GDI), Global Security Initiative (GSI), Global Civilization Initiative (GCI).
China, at Kenya’s request, approved and signed financing agreement for two billion RMB for project financing mainly for rural roads, and agreed to support TVET III programme, Bosto Dam and Nairobi Northern Bypass, projects that have been approved, expecting financing agreements to be concluded soon.

The Ministry for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Headquarters building will soon be up following the signing of the Exchange of Notes between Kenya and China, Mudavadi noted.