Chinese Vice President Han Zheng arrives in Kenya on March 22, 2026./HANDOUT

Chinese Vice President Han Zheng has arrived in Kenya as part of a broader African tour that will also take him to South Africa and Seychelles.

The Chinese Vice President Han Zheng was received by the Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.

Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi receives Chinese Vice President Han Zheng in Kenya on March 22, 2026,/HANDOUT
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Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi and a dignitary from Beijing at the JKIA on March 22, 2026 / Screengrab
Traditional dancers entertain Chinese Vice President Han Zheng at the JKIA on March 22, 2026./HANDOUT
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According to a statement from the Chinese Ambassador to Kenya, Guo Haiyan, the visit runs from March 22 to March 30 and follows invitations from Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and other leaders in the region.

“Chinese Vice President Han Zheng will visit Kenya, South Africa and Seychelles from March 22 to 30 at the invitation of Deputy President of Kenya Kithure Kindiki, Deputy President of South Africa Paul Mashatile, and Vice President of Seychelles Sebastien Pillay,” the statement said.

Han Zheng, who serves as China’s Vice President and is a senior Chinese Communist Party official, is expected to engage with Kenyan leaders to strengthen diplomatic ties, boost trade relations, and explore cooperation in development projects across key sectors.

The planned visit to Kenya underscores the continued strengthening of diplomatic and economic ties between Nairobi and Beijing.

China remains one of Kenya’s key development partners, with cooperation spanning infrastructure, trade, and investment.

The high-level visit is expected to deepen bilateral relations and explore new areas of collaboration.

Kenya and China have maintained close relations over the years, particularly under the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), which has facilitated major development projects across the continent.

In Kenya, Chinese-backed projects have included roads, railways, and energy infrastructure, positioning China as a central player in the country’s development agenda.

The visit follows President William Ruto’s State Visit to China last year, during which Kenya and China signed several framework agreements.

Speaking at Peking University in Beijing, China, the President said the development agenda forms part of the fourth Medium-Term Plan, focused on five key pillars.

“These are agricultural transformation, universal health coverage, affordable housing, the digital and creative economy, and development and expansion of micro, small, and medium enterprises,” Ruto said.

President Ruto noted the significance of the diplomatic and economic ties between Kenya and China, which have spanned six decades.

“As we mark six decades of diplomatic and economic cooperation between Kenya and China, my current visit seeks to chart a new course towards mutual prosperity,” he said.

The President emphasised Kenya’s commitment to strengthening its infrastructure through strategic partnerships.

“We are seeking strategic partnerships to expand our infrastructure, including transport, energy, logistics, and urban development,” Ruto stated.

The President was in China for a four-day visit, marking the third time he has visited the country since he took power. 

He witnessed the signing of investment deals worth Sh107 billion by seven Chinese firms.