Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi has disclosed that China is committed to financing the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Naivasha to the Malaba border and the Belt and Road Initiative a plan that will enhance the Nairobi-Nakuru-Malaba road network.
In a statement on Thursday, January 16, 2025, Mudavadi who hosted the newly appointed Ambassador of China to Kenya Guo Haiyan at his office said that SGR extension was part of the discussions.
Mudavadi, in addition, stated that China and Kenya will explore further strategic partnerships which will play a key role in driving economic growth and fostering regional development.
“Received H.E. Guo Haiyan, the newly appointed Ambassador of China to Kenya, during her courtesy visit to my office. Our discussions were both insightful and forward-looking, focusing on deepening consultations between Kenya and China across key sectors such as infrastructure, ICT, energy, education, climate change, governance, peace, security, and political stability.
“Ambassador Guo reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Kenya’s development agenda, particularly through continued financial backing for the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway from Naivasha to the Malaba border and the Belt and Road Initiative, which is set to enhance the Nairobi-Nakuru-Malaba road network, “Mudavadi statement reads in part.
According to Mudavadi, the partnership between the two states will play a significant role in economic growth and regional development.
“As Kenya continues to strengthen its strategic partnership with China, this collaboration will play a significant role in driving economic growth, fostering regional development, and contributing to broader prosperity across the African continent. I warmly welcome Ambassador Guo to Kenya and wish her a successful and fulfilling tenure in our great nation,” he added.
SGR extension partnership
Mudavadi’s talks coincide with President William Ruto‘s announcement on January 14, 2025, about Kenya’s SGR Extension project seeking support from the United Arab Emirates.
In the statement, Ruto stated that the UAE has shown interest in supporting the extension of the SGR to connect Kenya, Uganda, and potentially South Sudan.
“We are exploring a partnership agreement with the United Arab Emirates to extend the Standard Gauge Railway to connect Kenya, Uganda and South Sudan.
“As part of the plan, we have agreed to conduct a feasibility study on the extension of the SGR due to its capacity to foster regional integration and promote trade. In Abu Dhabi, held talks with the UAE Investment Minister Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi,” Ruto stated.
