Kenya is looking to secure China’s support in expanding its role as a multilateral hub in the Global South, with a focus on enhancing key United Nations facilities hosted in Nairobi.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei said Monday in Beijing that the government hopes to gain China's partnership in addressing challenges linked to its position as host to global UN bodies, including the UN-Habitat headquarters.
“Kenya plays a central role in multilateralism as the seat of UN-Habitat and other UN agencies,” said Sing’oei.
“This is a role we share closely with China, and we are seeking their support to expand and strengthen these institutions.”
He revealed that the United Nations has already committed $300 million toward the expansion of the facilities in Nairobi, a move, he stated, that promises benefits not only for Kenya but for Africa as a whole.
“We need China’s support on this to mobilise more resources, drive visibility, and reinforce our shared commitment to multilateral development,” Sing’oei emphasised during an interview.
The expansion, he noted, aligns with the government's broader ambition to serve as a key diplomatic and development gateway for the Global South.
This, as the country positions itself at the heart of regional and international decision-making.
President William Ruto, who arrives Tuesday evening in China for the start of his four-day tour, is accompanied by a delegation of Cabinet Secretaries and other key government officials.
Strengthening bilateral ties, attracting investment, and enhancing Kenya’s global diplomatic profile are central themes of the trip.
While in Beijing, the President will hold bilateral talks with President Xi Jinping to advance shared priorities in economic transformation, sustainable development, and global cooperation.
He will also officiate the Kenya-China Business Forum, bringing together over 100 companies from both countries to explore new opportunities in trade, investment, digital innovation, and industrial growth.
The President will further engage with the Chinese leadership on global and regional matters, advocating for enhanced multilateral cooperation.
Discussions will also address peace and security in the Greater Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes Region.
Kenya, Sing'oei stated, will also be seeking to expand its cooperation with China in the education sector during Ruto's visit.
The president is scheduled to deliver a keynote address at Peking University, underscoring the close relations between the two countries in this sector.
Sing'oei said discussions are at an advanced stage with Tongji University in Shanghai to have it establish an elite engineering college in one of the universities.
He said the varsity is currently working with some local universities.
Discussions are also underway to have the Chinese government designate Kenya as a native English-speaking country.
He said over 500 teachers are currently employed in various learning colleges and high schools in China.
"It is our view that based on such designation, we can be able to have more trained Kenyan teachers offering language competence to Chinese institutions," he stated.
On the reforms to the international financial architecture, which the president has been championing, the PS pointed out that Kenya shares this agenda with China, noting it will feature in the discussions.
