Kenya and China have cemented their trade and investment ties through the signing of seven deals valued at KES106.62 billion ($823 million) during President William Ruto's latest tour of the Asian country amid frosty relations between Washington and Beijing.

In an update on Wednesday, Dr Ruto said the latest investment commitments will see Chinese companies pour billions across a number of sectors including tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing.

Under manufacturing industry, China's Anhui Jiubao Electronic Technology Co. Ltd, is set to develop a smart traffic component plant in Mombasa, an initiative that is projected to create 5,000 work opportunities. 

Anhui Jiubao Electronic Technology Co. Ltd is expected to expanding operations into Murang'a County, the president said. 

These investments will see Anhui Jiubao Electronic Technology Co. Ltd not only establish its presence in Kenya, but also help the firm set its foot in East Africa. 

Dubbed the Kenya Smart Transportation Industry Park, Anhui's investment is billed to contribute roughly $50 million to the total value of agreements signed between Kenya and China.

Additionally, Chinese firm Chongqing Shangcheng Apparel Group has committed to invest in both apparel and infrastructure projects in the country. 

According to Dr Ruto, these initiatives "aim to boost employment, with plans to create 7,000 jobs in the textile and garment industries, and involve significant financial commitments, such as the $300 million investment over 10 years."

"The acquisition of land and construction of facilities further highlight the long-term nature and scale of these collaborations, indicating a robust and growing economic relationship between the two countries," the President added.

What's more, China Wu Yi will pump $150 million investment in a Special Economic Zone in Kikambala, Kilifi County, further enhancing the manufacturing industry and helping alleviate the challenge of joblessness within the country especially among the youth.

Tourism industry

In the tourism industry, Hunan Conference Exhibition Group/Huatian Hotel Management Co. has lined up $23 million investment, marking the company's first venture into Kenya, as it aims to expand its portfolio by acquiring or leasing hotels in Nairobi.

This initiative will see the company expand its market base from the current Europe and Southeast Asia zone.

"One notable deal involves Shandong Jialejia Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Technology Ltd’s $30 million investment in Kenya’s poultry sector," Dr Ruto tweeted on X.

He added, "these strategic partnerships signal strengthened Kenya-China relations, boosting economic growth and job creation. With over 500 new opportunities expected, these BETA agreements lay the groundwork for a prosperous future."

In agriculture, a total of $400 million is expected to go into aloe farming in Baringo County in a move that is projected to create 5,000 jobs across the value chain. "This marks a bold leap for agri-growth, trade, and rural prosperity," explained Dr Ruto.

[email protected]