enya has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with China while backing Beijing’s call for a multilateral global order. This came during celebrations marking the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, held at the Chinese Embassy in Nairobi on September 29, 2025.
Speaking at the event, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi emphasized the importance of global cooperation in today’s turbulent geopolitical climate.
“With the kind of geopolitics we are seeing, the place for multilateralism is becoming even more important,” Mudavadi said. “A strong message that unilateralism is dangerous is extremely important. We share China’s position and affirm that our partnership is solid and growing.”
Chinese Ambassador to Kenya, Guo Haiyan, echoed the call for deeper cooperation, noting that the world continues to face challenges from “Cold War mentality, hegemonism, and protectionism.” She highlighted that the bilateral relationship had recently been elevated to a “China-Kenya Community with a Shared Future for the New Era” following President William Ruto’s state visit to Beijing in April 2025, during which more than 20 cooperation agreements were signed.
Mudavadi revealed that ongoing negotiations under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) framework are expected to expand Kenya’s access to Chinese markets. He also cited key infrastructure projects in the pipeline, including the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway to Malaba and the dualling of the Rironi–Mau Summit road.
Ambassador Guo underscored China’s vision of an “equal and orderly multipolar world,” stressing that “no country should be superior to others and might does not mean right.” She also reminded guests of Kenya’s historic support for China, including its role in Beijing’s restoration at the United Nations in 1971.
The reception closed with a Kenyan proverb quoted by Guo: “If you want to walk fast, walk alone. If you want to walk far, walk together.”
Analysts say the growing partnership demonstrates that Kenya-China ties have evolved beyond trade, developing into a broader strategic alliance anchored in shared values of cooperation and multilateralism.
