Kenya and China Strengthen Cooperation at Nairobi Governance Forum
Kenya and China reaffirmed their longstanding friendship and expanding development partnership on Monday during the China–Kenya Readers Forum held in Nairobi. The high-level forumorganized ahead of the 62nd anniversary of diplomatic relations brought together senior officials, scholars, and representatives from key sectors to discuss shared development goals and explore China’s governance philosophy.
Hosted by the State Council Information Office of China, China International Communications Group (CICG), and the Chinese Embassy in Kenya, the event also marked the official launch of the English edition of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China (Volume V).
Mr. Mo Gaoyi, Deputy Head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of the State Council Information Office of China, praised the enduring Kenya–China partnership. He described the two nations as “trusted political friends and mutually beneficial economic partners,” noting that their upgraded ties as a China–Kenya community with a shared future will further energize China Africa cooperation.
Mo emphasized that China and Kenya consistently stand together for development, especially at a time when the Global South is seeking new pathways to modernization.
Dialogue on Governance and Shared Development Goals
The forum underscored the growing intellectual and cultural exchanges between the two nations. Kenya previously hosted the Kiswahili-language launch of the governance series in 2023, demonstrating expanding interest in understanding China’s development experience.
According to Mo, the new volume of the series offers actionable “ideas and solutions for the modernization of Global South nations.” Kenyan readers, he noted, increasingly look to the series to
Mo drew strong parallels between China’s focus on deeper reforms and Kenya’s ongoing development under its mid-term national plan. With Africa moving forward under Agenda 2063, both sides share ambitions in industrialization, economic transformation, and social progress.
Cooperation between Kenya and China continues to expand across sectors including infrastructure, agriculture, vocational training, manufacturing, and poverty reduction.
“From Nairobi to Garissa, from farmlands to factories, our two nations are working together to explore a path of shared development,” Mo said.
Green development emerged as a major highlight of the forum. Mo outlined China’s achievements in building the world’s largest renewable energy system and its role in global climate action.
He applauded Kenya’s goal of achieving 100% clean energy production by 2030 and pointed to ongoing cooperation in ecological restoration, green fertilizers, and the growing adoption of Chinese electric vehicles in Kenyan cities.
Mo reaffirmed China’s readiness to enhance joint efforts in renewable energy, biodiversity conservation, and agricultural technology.
Cultural Exchange and Growing People-to-People Ties
Cultural cooperation featured prominently, with Mo referencing the long history of Sino–Kenyan contact dating back to Zheng He’s voyages 600 years ago.
As 2026 has been designated the China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, China signaled its intention to work closely with Kenya to deepen cultural ties through tourism, arts, and education.
A Shared Future for China and Africa
Mo reiterated China’s commitment to building an all-weather China–Africa community with a shared future, supported by global initiatives such as the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and the Belt and Road framework.
He stated that progress in Chinese modernization would open new opportunities for African nations and called on Kenya and China to write “a new chapter” in their enduring partnership.
Closing his remarks, Mo expressed optimism that the newly released volume of The Governance of China would help more Kenyans gain a deeper understanding of China’s development model and strengthen consensus on future cooperation.
Quoting an African proverb, he said, “A friend is someone you share the path with,” emphasizing that China and Kenya will continue advancing together toward shared prosperity and sustainable development.
