Han Zheng is set to visit Kenya as part of a broader diplomatic tour that will also include South Africa and Seychelles. Scheduled from March 22 to 30, the visit underscores Beijing’s renewed efforts to strengthen ties with key African partners.
The trip follows official invitations from regional leaders, including Kenya’s Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and South Africa’s Deputy President Paul Mashatile. It comes at a crucial time for Kenya, as the government moves to revive a long-stalled infrastructure project—the expansion of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).
Originally completed in 2017, the railway connected Mombasa to Nairobi before extending to Naivasha. However, plans to link it to the Ugandan border stalled for over six years due to funding challenges. That momentum has now been restored under President William Ruto, who recently launched the next phase of construction.
The new Naivasha–Kisumu–Malaba section is expected to stretch over 370 kilometres, cutting across multiple regions and significantly improving transport and trade connectivity. Once complete, it will enhance regional integration by linking Kenya more effectively with its neighbours.
Ahead of the relaunch, President Ruto held talks with Song Hailiang, chairman of China Communications Construction Company, highlighting China’s continued role in Kenya’s infrastructure development.
The visit also coincides with recent financial restructuring tied to Chinese-funded loans. Kenya shifted part of its railway debt from U.S. dollars to the Chinese yuan, a move aimed at reducing interest costs and easing repayment pressure. According to Treasury officials, the adjustment has already resulted in substantial savings in debt servicing.
Additionally, Ruto’s prior engagement with Xi Jinping signals ongoing high-level cooperation between the two nations, reinforcing the strategic importance of the partnership.
Han Zheng’s visit is therefore more than ceremonial—it represents a convergence of diplomacy, infrastructure, and economic strategy, as Kenya pushes forward with one of its most ambitious transport projects while deepening ties with China.
