The Chinese government is credited for implementing various projects in Kenya, including the Thika Superhighway. FILE.
He said that over the years, the friendly engagement between the two nations has expanded the areas of mutual cooperation leading to increased trade and enhanced development partnerships that are evident.
‘That China has been a true friend and a friend indeed to Kenya is not in doubt whatsoever. Neither have the fruits of this steady and apparent bond been hidden at all,” he said when presided over the 50th anniversary celebration of the two countries’ diplomatic ties.
Ruto said that China had played a leading role in development projects in the country such as road construction and a host of other infrastructural developments erected by and through the support of the Chinese government and her people.
‘’Beyond the culinary delights from China many Kenyans have developed a taste for over the years and beyond the infrastructure we all associated with China is a whole frontier of cultural engagement that China has developed in our country. Educational exchange is at the very core of this subtle but nonetheless more potent engagement,” he said.
The Deputy President pointed out that Kenya was proud of China because it also sponsors some 200 young Kenyans for further and specialised studies at various institutions of higher learning in the Asian country.
“When people engage each other they find their level and define a regime of partnership whose multiplicative effects are as boundless as they are rewarding,” he said.
At the same time, the Deputy President appealed to the Chinese government to expand the Chinese Ambassador’s Scholarship Award Scheme that assists needy students at the University of Nairobi to cover other public universities.
Ruto was also pleased by the increasing arrivals of tourists from China, terming the move as “gratifying”.
On his part, Chinese ambassador to Kenya Liu Guangyuan said that China will always remain Kenya’s true and firm friend.
“I am confident that, with the joint efforts of both sides, China-Kenya relations will reach a new height and embrace a brighter future in the next 50 years,” the envoy said.
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