Mudavadi Sent to China by Ruto to Unlock Billions in SGR, Highway, and Trade Deals
Speaking in Kakamega County at Friends Comprehensive School in Kivaywa, the President announced that Mudavadi would lead high-level negotiations with Chinese officials. His goal? Secure funding for the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) extension, key highways, and expanded trade access.
“We want to extend the SGR to Malaba and complete the highway to open up our western region,” Ruto declared.
Construction of Rironi–Malaba Highway Set to Begin
Among the top priorities is the construction of the Rironi–Mau Summit–Eldoret–Bungoma–Malaba Highway. Due to budget constraints, it will likely be done in phases.
“We don’t have all the money now, so we’ll build it step by step,” Ruto explained.
Meanwhile, the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) plans to inject billions of pension savings into the Nairobi–Rironi–Mau Summit project. The move has sparked public debate about the safety and ethics of using retirement funds in infrastructure.
Still, the government insists the project will ease congestion, boost trade, and transform travel across Kenya and its western neighbors.
China Trade Talks to Open Doors for Kenyan Exports
Beyond roads and railways, Mudavadi’s trip is also expected to seal a new trade agreement with China.
“We’re now producing avocados, tea, macadamia, and coffee at scale,” Ruto said.
“Those products need markets. We’ve already signed deals with the UK and US. Now it’s China’s turn.”
He noted that Musalia’s team is engaging Chinese authorities to conclude the deal within three or four months.
“Once done, our farmers will access one of the largest markets in the world,” he assured Kenyans.
U.S. Senator Slams Kenya’s ‘Allegiance’ to China
Not everyone is cheering. U.S. Senator Jim Risch, chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, recently raised concerns over Kenya’s deepening ties with Beijing.
In a Senate hearing on May 13, he cited Ruto’s April visit to China, during which the President said:
“Kenya and China are co-architects of a new world order.”
Risch warned that such remarks reflect more than economic cooperation.
“That’s not just alignment to China; it’s allegiance,” the Senator warned.
Ruto Defends His Move: “We Support Multilateralism”
However, Ruto has defended his position.
In an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), he said Kenya’s foreign policy is about balance and fairness.
“Multilateralism is key,” he emphasized.
“We work with all partners to achieve shared goals.”ALSO READ: Ruto Hopes to Spur More Jobs From Chinese Investments in High-Stakes Visit to Beijing
Mudavadi Sent to China by Ruto to Unlock Billions in SGR, Highway, and Trade Deals
