BEIJING, Mar 20 – Chinese Vice President Han Zheng is expected to visit Kenya next week as part of a three-nation tour of Africa, in a move that signals Beijing’s continued engagement with the continent.
According to a statement from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the visit comes at the invitation of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and will form part of a broader diplomatic itinerary that includes South Africa and Seychelles.
“At the invitation of Deputy President of Kenya Kithure Kindiki, Deputy President of South Africa Paul Mashatile and Vice President of Seychelles Sebastien Pillay, Vice President Han Zheng will visit Kenya, South Africa and Seychelles from March 22 to 30,” a foreign ministry spokesperson announced on Friday.
Han’s visit to Nairobi is expected to focus on strengthening bilateral relations between Kenya and China, with discussions likely to centre on trade, infrastructure development, investment and cooperation under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) framework.
Kenya remains one of China’s key strategic partners in East Africa, with Beijing having financed and supported major infrastructure projects including the Standard Gauge Railway, the Nairobi Expressway and road networks across the country.
The high-level visit comes at a time when both countries are seeking to deepen economic ties, particularly in areas such as manufacturing, digital economy, green energy and skills development.
Officials are also expected to explore opportunities for expanding market access, enhancing people-to-people exchanges and aligning development priorities between Nairobi and Beijing.
Han’s Africa tour underscores China’s sustained diplomatic push on the continent, as it continues to position itself as a key partner in infrastructure financing, trade and development cooperation.
Further details on the Kenyan leg of the visit, including meetings and engagements, are expected to be released in the coming days.
