In a hurry? Here’s a quick summary…
- First Lady Rachel Ruto arrived in Beijing to focus on women’s empowerment and promoting Kenya during the China-Africa summit.
- President Ruto aims to secure infrastructure and trade deals with China, focusing on modernization and cooperation.
Kenya’s First Lady, Mama Rachel Ruto, has arrived in Beijing to accompany President William Ruto at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) 2024.
During her visit, she will focus on initiatives aimed at boosting economic empowerment and strengthening international partnerships.
Her agenda includes collaborating with development partners and investors to promote women’s economic empowerment in Kenya, improving children’s welfare, and positioning Kenya as a premier tourist destination.
Mama Rachel also intends to connect with Kenyan women professionals in the diaspora to attract additional investments and increase diaspora inflow.
She will participate in a session hosted by H.E. Prof. Peng Liuyan, the First Lady of the People’s Republic of China, representing the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD).
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This session will discuss strategies for accelerating women’s empowerment through education, aligning with both Kenyan and Chinese development goals.
Meanwhile, President Ruto is expected to secure multi-million-dollar agreements with China, focusing on infrastructure and trade.
As part of the summit, which emphasizes modernization and building a high-level China-Africa community, President Ruto will co-chair a session on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
A key priority for President Ruto, according to a State House statement, is his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss strengthening bilateral ties and exploring new areas of cooperation.
In addition, President Ruto will attend the China-Africa Entrepreneurs Conference, advocating for increased Chinese investment in Kenya’s infrastructure, healthcare, and technology sectors.
Kenya aims to secure agreements on critical infrastructure projects, including the construction of rural roads, the Nairobi Intelligent Transportation System, and the Bosto Dam Water Supply Project.
Discussions will also cover the extension and completion of phases 2B and 2C of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), the dualing of the Nairobi Northern Bypass, and other vital infrastructure initiatives.
The visit is expected to pave the way for new cooperation projects, such as establishing a pharmaceutical park and negotiating a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) and an Investment Protection Agreement (IPA).