Kenya plans to open two new consulates in China in a bid to enhance trade and bilateral relations between the two countries.
The announcement was made by President Uhuru Kenyatta on Tuesday following a meeting with the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Chairman Wang Yang, who is on an official visit of the East African country.
“I intend to establish Consulate Generals in Guangzhou and Shanghai to facilitate the growing interaction between our peoples,” President Uhuru said.
He said the two consulates will help Kenya tap the huge potential existing in the tourism and commercial sector, and will promote people to people exchange between the two countries.
The president hailed the existing cooperation between the two nations, saying his country was satisfied with the tremendous progress achieved over the past decade through continued partnership.
He pointed out that since December 2015, Kenya had received 13 grant projects worth USD 102 million, four preferential loans projects worth USD 292 million, 14 commercial projects worth USD 8.545 billion and a cumulative investment projects amounting USD 564 million.
On his part, Mr. Wang said his visit was aimed at demonstrating positive assessment and recognition of the fruitful outcome of the Kenya and China cooperation.
He also said his visit to Kenya is for the purpose of following through the consensus reached by President Kenyatta and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
“I want to use this visit as an opportunity to further strengthen Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and Kenya’s Senate, National Assembly and other Institutions,” said Mr. Wang.
Before meeting President Kenyatta, Mr. Wang toured the Chinese-built Standard Gauge railway, which has been hailed as Kenya’s biggest infrastructural project since independence.
China has also been widely involved in other infrastructural projects in the East African country, including the construction of roads and learning centers.
