President William Ruto on Wednesday secured a range of manufacturing agreements on the second day of his five-day visit to China, aimed at revitalising Kenya’s struggling economy and creating much-needed jobs.

The agreements were announced at a Kenya-China Investor Roundtable in Beijing, where President Ruto expressed his intent to lean on China’s expertise in artificial intelligence amid rising global trade uncertainties.

The newly forged investment deals are designed to enhance Kenya’s manufacturing sector, promising to generate thousands of jobs.

Speaking at the roundtable, Ruto emphasised the vital role of China’s private sector in Kenya’s economic development, highlighting his government’s commitment to facilitating their involvement.

“China’s private sector has significantly contributed to our economic growth through investments across various sectors,” Ruto stated.

“We aim to encourage even greater participation from China’s private sector in our transformative journey, which will create thousands of jobs for our youth. Our vision includes strategically utilising China’s industrial strength and advancements in technology, particularly in AI, to accelerate our development agenda.”

He also noted that Kenya is intensifying its focus on science, technology, and innovation, welcoming partnerships with Chinese institutions in fields such as STEM, AI, biotechnology and the creative economy. 

“Our ‘Silicon Savannah’ at Konza Technopolis and our upcoming National AI Strategy (2025–2030) provide an excellent platform for collaboration,” he added.

The agreements involve commitments from seven Chinese companies across various sectors:

China Wu Yi plans to establish a special economic zone in Kilifi County, focusing on manufacturing, processing and warehousing, potentially creating 5,000 jobs.

Chongqing Shangcheng Apparel Group and Pengfeng Investment Ltd aim to expand textile and solar power manufacturing in Murang’a and Athi River, projected to create 7,000 jobs.

Rongtai Steel Co Ltd will expand its steel plant in Lukenya, which includes new production lines and a research center, expected to yield 3,000 jobs.

In transportation, Kenya Smart Transportation Industry Park and Anhui Jiubao Electronic Technology Co. Ltd will develop a smart traffic components hub in Mombasa, with plans for a factory in Murang’a that could employ 5,000.

Shandong Jialejia Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Technology Co Ltd will invest in a large-scale poultry project in Kajiado, creating 500 jobs.

Zonken Group intends to set up a significant aloe cultivation and processing operation in Baringo County, alongside vineyards for grape seedlings, potentially creating 5,000 jobs.

Hunan Conference Exhibition Group and Hautian Hotel Management Co are exploring hotel acquisitions in Nairobi, indicating interest in the tourism sector.

During a separate public lecture at Peking University, President Ruto also addressed concerns about the global economic climate, criticizing the rise of protectionism and advocating for a restructuring of the global financial architecture.