The 60th anniversary of the diplomatic relationship between China and Kenya was commemorated at the Global Trading Center (GTC) on Thursday by the Chinese Embassy in Kenya, signifying a significant milestone in trade, people-to-people connections, and diplomacy.

The ceremony hosted Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs Musalia Mudavadi as the Chief Guest, who characterized the festivities as the outcome of years of consistent, reliable, cooperative, and mutually beneficial collaboration between China and Kenya.

Mudavadi acknowledged the substantial growth in the partnership between the two nations and expressed confidence in its continued advancement, driven by shared prosperity and understanding.

"Kenya commends China for its transformative initiatives in Kenya and Africa, with far-reaching socio-economic impacts. As one of the few countries with a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with China, the highest form of Bilateral Relations, Kenya has derived significant benefits from China’s investment," Mudavadi stated.

He highlighted that approximately 50,000 Kenyans are employed by the 400 Chinese businesses operating in various sectors in the country, making China Kenya’s largest trading partner and the primary source of contracted companies.

Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Zhou Pingjian underscored the accomplishments achieved during the 60 years of diplomatic ties, emphasizing the strengthening of their relationship.

“Since the establishment of diplomatic ties, our two peoples have forged fraternity, our bilateral relations have yielded fruits, and our two countries have become good friends and good partners that trust each other, setting an example for China-Africa relations and South-South cooperation,” Pingjian said.

Pingjian stressed the presence of mutual respect, equality, and goodwill between the two sides and their willingness to support each other on matters involving core interests and major concerns.

“The government and people of Kenya have given China great support and selfless help over the years,” he added. The diplomatic relationship between China and Kenya began on December 14, 1963, just two days after Kenya’s historic attainment of independence from British colonial rule. Over the past 60 years, their friendship has grown based on mutual understanding, respect, and win-win cooperation.

Successive governments from both sides have nurtured warm relations through win-win cooperation, resulting in accelerated development in Kenya, the East African powerhouse. Kenya’s rapid development has been greatly supported by China through financing for major infrastructure projects.

Projects like the Nairobi-Mombasa Standard Gauge Railway, the Thika Superhighway, and the new Expressway connecting the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Westlands have transformed Kenya into a modern nation.

China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), initiated in 2013, has expedited these infrastructure and trade projects, creating job opportunities and facilitating knowledge transfer, ultimately empowering Kenya’s workforce and enhancing its global competitiveness.

With these remarkable achievements in socio-economic development, Kenya is poised for sustained economic growth and development, setting itself apart in the region, thanks to China’s support.